The Hopeaholics

I Was A Lawyer Smuggling Heroin for the Mexican Mafia w/ Jason Keller | The Hopeaholics Podcast #346Jason Keller was a criminal defense attorney with his own firm when he started smuggling drugs into jail for his clients. Papers that looked like textbook material turned out to be black tar heroin flattened between the pages. Then it was a cell phone. Then a charger. All for the Mexican Mafia. He was also smoking crack in the courthouse parking lot before walking in for hearings. He got arrested and almost did six years. That still wasn't his wake-up call. He got drunk on vacation in Honduras, fell off a boat, went to dinner soaking wet, and urinated in a fountain in front of everyone he knew. He was 47. That was the morning he decided he was done. He recently retook the bar exam 20 years later and passed. Chad and Natalie sit with him through all of it the addiction that started at 13, the law career that somehow ran alongside it for decades, and what it took to finally stop.#TheHopeaholics #redemption #recovery #AlcoholAddiction #AddictionRecovery #wedorecover #SobrietyJourney #MyStory #Hope #wedorecover #treatmentcenter #natalieevamarieJoin our patreon to get access to an EXTRA EPISODE every week of ‘Off the Record', exclusive content, a thriving recovery community, and opportunities to be featured on the podcast. https://patreon.com/TheHopeaholics Go to www.Wolfpak.com today and support our sponsors. Don't forget to use code: HOPEAHOLICSPODCAST for 10% off!Follow the Hopeaholics on our Socials:https://www.instagram.com/thehopeaholics https://linktr.ee/thehopeaholicsBuy Merch: https://thehopeaholics.myshopify.comVisit our Treatment Centers: https://www.hopebythesea.comIf you or a loved one needs help, please call or text 949-615-8588. We have the resources to treat mental health and addiction. Sponsored by the Infiniti Group LLC:https://www.infinitigroupllc.com Timestamps:00:00 Cold Open: The Charges Read Aloud00:42 Introduction / Jason's Background01:56 How He Became a Criminal Defense Attorney03:18 First Marriage and Using During Law School05:57 3 Years Old and His Grandmother's Liquor Cabinet10:15 Full Scholarship to U of A. Flunked Out First Year.13:01 The Workout Regimen That Started in Prison15:04 Can a Convicted Felon Practice Law in Arizona?16:28 The God-Sized Hole / What's Actually Underneath Addiction18:52 The Moment He Said Yes to Smuggling21:00 The DUI That Derailed His Career Before It Started22:23 Out of Prison and Already Manipulating Probation24:21 Relapse on Meth / PO Says Treatment or Go Back26:14 How the Smuggling Actually Started27:18 Smoking Crack in the Courthouse Parking Lot30:28 Finding Out the Papers Were Full of Heroin34:26 The Cell Phone for the Mexican Mafia39:14 Arrested September 30th, 2008. Seven Charges.41:21 What the Arrest Changed and What It Didn't42:09 The Detective Who Put the Cuffs On Him43:17 The Sun City AA Meeting / 86-Year-Old Jack Lee45:29 The Ninth Step Amends With the Detective51:26 Chad's Story: Felony Evading in a Lamborghini57:41 The Real Wake-Up Call: Honduras1:01:10 Finally Admitting He Was an Alcoholic1:03:35 Step One and What Changed Everything1:05:30 Why Prison for Six Years Still Wasn't Enough1:07:31 Internal Bottom vs External Consequences1:12:20 The AA Meeting He Started for Lawyers1:14:57 Ethics Talks at the Public Defender's Office1:16:58 Why Lawyers Are Scared to Get Help1:19:37 The Disciplinary Panel / Waiting on the Bar1:20:55 Passing the Bar by Hand While Everyone Used Laptops

He Collapsed My Lungs & Ended Up WANTED w/ Kristin Swan (TW abuse) | The Hopeaholics Podcast #345Kristin grew up in Lakeville, Massachusetts, an hour south of Boston, in a house where disease was already present before she arrived at it. Her mother drank and went to meetings and died the day right after Mother's Day. Both her cousins are gone from fentanyl poisoning. By 15 she was cycling in and out of psychiatric hospitals, diagnosed bipolar, put on lithium, hearing voices. She hadn't touched a drug yet.By 20 she was in a relationship with a man dealing crack out of their apartment. She saw the red flags early. She stayed anyway. It all ended in a snowstorm when he body-slammed her, collapsed both lungs, and stomped her head with Timberlands on while she was in the bathtub. She created a diversion, kicked the wall, and ran out barefoot into the snow while he searched for her. She hid in the bushes behind a neighbor's house and a man who barely spoke English called an ambulance. When she did find sobriety, it looked like what the promises are supposed to look like. A good sponsor. An interior design job. Things starting to make sense. Then a relapse. Now she's coming back. She's working the program again, going to bonfire meetings on the beach, building something small and clean, trying to put God first and figure out the rest from there. TheHopeaholics #redemption #recovery #AlcoholAddiction #AddictionRecovery #wedorecover #SobrietyJourney #MyStory #Hope #wedorecover #treatmentcenter #natalieevamarieJoin our patreon to get access to an EXTRA EPISODE every week of ‘Off the Record', exclusive content, a thriving recovery community, and opportunities to be featured on the podcast. https://patreon.com/TheHopeaholics Go to www.Wolfpak.com today and support our sponsors. Don't forget to use code: HOPEAHOLICSPODCAST for 10% off!Follow the Hopeaholics on our Socials:https://www.instagram.com/thehopeaholics https://linktr.ee/thehopeaholicsBuy Merch: https://thehopeaholics.myshopify.comVisit our Treatment Centers: https://www.hopebythesea.comIf you or a loved one needs help, please call or text 949-615-8588. We have the resources to treat mental health and addiction. Sponsored by the Infiniti Group LLC:https://www.infinitigroupllc.com Timestamps:0:00 - Cold Open1:11 - Kristin Arrives2:32 - Growing Up in Lakeville, MA3:12 - Mom's Death After Mother's Day4:26 - Losing Two Cousins to Fentanyl5:13 - First Drink at 14 / Bipolar Diagnosis at 156:20 - Lithium, Voices, and Psych Hospitals7:22 - Parents' Divorce / Dad's Breakdown8:20 - Moving to Tampa10:13 - Rebellion11:05 - Life After Basketball11:45 - The Abusive Relationship14:57 - New Year's Eve in a Blizzard15:32 - The Attack: Body Slammed, Both Lungs Collapsed17:09 - Hiding in the Bushes / Ambulance Arrives17:50 - Emergency Surgery / Boston Medical20:36 - Love Addiction: Why We Stay21:24 - First Recovery at 20 / DV Shelter22:22 - Dancing, Fast Money, and Relapse24:26 - The Program, a Sponsor, and the Promises25:13 - On Relapse, Shame, and Coming Back26:28 - Orange County Recovery Scene / Bonfire Meetings29:13 - Therapy, EMDR, and Healing Trauma29:53 - Building an Agency / New Beginnings30:46 - Her Relationship with God31:29 - Rosary Beads and Dreams of Her Mother32:04 - The Morning Routine That Keeps Her Grounded33:28 - An 11th Chance34:23 - Day at a Time / Wrap-Up36:05 - Closing / Final Message

Chad and Natalie sit down with Matt Bowyer, the Orange County bookie at the center of the Shohei Ohtani gambling scandal, for the full story behind the headlines. Matt ran one of the largest illegal sports betting operations in the country for over 30 years. At his peak he had 1,250 clients nationwide, 48 agents, and processed over $1 billion in wagers in 2023 alone. He was also betting millions of his own money because gambling was his addiction and he was the house getting high on his own supply. The feds raided him twice. The first time was 2014, 14 agents, his daughter crying in the driveway, coming home from losing $800,000 in Vegas on March Madness. The case didn't start with Ohtani. The feds didn't even know about Ohtani. The case started with casino money laundering, led to Matt, and then his electronics told the rest of the story.He grew up watching his Vietnam vet father drink 40 beers a day until his mom divorced him after three failed rehabs. By 13 he was the top newspaper salesman in Orange County. At 16 he had a poker ring running out of his house. At 18, with his girlfriend pregnant and the family in a Dana Point mobile home, he got hired as a busboy at Chevys, got recruited to a commodities brokerage, passed the Series 3 exam as a mail boy, and was making $600,000 a year at 21. He bought back the house his family had lost. Then he got tired of giving his money to bookies.He currently owes $9.7 million in taxes at $60,000 a month in interest. Tax lien on his $5 million home. Two years probation, mandatory Gamblers Anonymous, mandatory drug dealer classes every week. And a new book dropping called Controlled Chaos. #TheHopeaholics #redemption #recovery #AlcoholAddiction #AddictionRecovery #wedorecover #SobrietyJourney #MyStory #Hope #wedorecover #treatmentcenter #natalieevamarieJoin our patreon to get access to an EXTRA EPISODE every week of ‘Off the Record', exclusive content, a thriving recovery community, and opportunities to be featured on the podcast. https://patreon.com/TheHopeaholics Go to www.Wolfpak.com today and support our sponsors. Don't forget to use code: HOPEAHOLICSPODCAST for 10% off!Follow the Hopeaholics on our Socials:https://www.instagram.com/thehopeaholics https://linktr.ee/thehopeaholicsBuy Merch: https://thehopeaholics.myshopify.comVisit our Treatment Centers: https://www.hopebythesea.comIf you or a loved one needs help, please call or text 949-615-8588. We have the resources to treat mental health and addiction. Sponsored by the Infiniti Group LLC:https://www.infinitigroupllc.com Timestamps:0:56 - Welcome Matt Boyer / The Ohtani Scandal1:21 - Growing Up in Cypress, CA / Tiger Woods Connection1:55 - Three Brothers: One Gone, One Fighting Heroin Addiction3:19 - The Second Raid: 29 Agents, AR Rifles, Wife Handcuffed4:50 - How the Operation Worked: 1,250 Clients, 48 Agents Nationwide5:54 - Betting $4.2 Million on a Single Football Game8:22 - The Psychology of Gambling: Losing Feels Better Than Winning12:21 - CEO of an Illegal Operation Doing $1 Billion in 202313:19 - Commodity Trader, Opened His Own Brokerage at 2814:17 - Why He Chose the Illegal Path Over the Legal One17:33 - First Raid, 14 Agents, Daughter Crying in the Driveway, Just Lost $800K in Vegas19:39 - Signs the Abandonment Form and Triples His Business21:09 - October 5th, 2023: The Second Raid That Ended Everything22:55 - Three Relationships, Five Kids, All One Big Family24:14 - Meeting His Current Wife at 40 / IVF for a Son31:19 - His Father: Vietnam Vet, 40 Beers a Day, Three Rehabs32:17 - 13 Years Old: Paper Boy, Baseball Cards, Weed, Poker Ring33:13 - 18 Years Old: Mobile Home in Dana Point, Girlfriend Pregnant, No Job34:18 - Getting Hired as a Busboy, Getting Recruited to a Brokerage36:28 - Mail Boy to #1 Broker, Buying Back the Family House at 2137:23 - Setting Up the Website in Costa Rica / Scaling to a Real Operation40:32 - Sitting in the Courtroom Hearing His Own Numbers for the First Time43:44 - The Charges: Money Laundering, Falsified Tax Returns, Bookmaking44:29 - Pleading Guilty Immediately Instead of Fighting the Feds46:38 - Cooperating with the Government: Giving Up the Casinos49:21 - Paying $1.7M in Restitution in Full Before Sentencing51:10 - Federal Prison: What It's Actually Like at Lompoc53:05 - How the Shohei Ohtani Connection Actually Happened55:09 - Telling the Feds About Ohtani57:42 - Watching His Name Break on SportsCenter58:49 - Why He Believes Ohtani Didn't Personally Place the Bets59:59 - The $16.2 Million Question1:13:15 - Going from $1.5M a Month to 0: Writing the Book During the Indictment1:14:43 - What's Next: Public Speaking, Books, Building a Community1:16:28 - Current Terms: Probation, Gamblers Anonymous, Drug Dealer Classes1:20:07 - Does He Miss Gambling?1:21:17 - The Super Bowl Bet: $4.2M on Chiefs vs. Eagles, $9.2M Swing in 3 Hours1:23:38 - His Wife as the Reason He Stopped

Chad and Natalie sit down with Sean Couper, a personal trainer and 4.5 year sober alcoholic who spent three decades functioning at a high level in corporate healthcare. Sean covers his full story: growing up between Florida and California without a real father figure, a first drink at five years old, thirty years of high-functioning alcoholism that nearly ended with liver and kidney failure, three DUIs exactly a decade apart, his mom dying on Christmas Day 2019, and the long road from watching HIV patients' livers shut down at work to eventually watching his own body do the same. He talks about hiding bottles from his family, drinking through Zoom IOP sessions, and the moment with his daughter that finally forced his hand. He did 28 days at Cumberland Heights and walked out wanting to help people immediately. Now he does exactly that. #TheHopeaholics #redemption #recovery #AlcoholAddiction #AddictionRecovery #wedorecover #SobrietyJourney #MyStory #Hope #wedorecover #treatmentcenter #natalieevamarieJoin our patreon to get access to an EXTRA EPISODE every week of ‘Off the Record', exclusive content, a thriving recovery community, and opportunities to be featured on the podcast. https://patreon.com/TheHopeaholics Go to www.Wolfpak.com today and support our sponsors. Don't forget to use code: HOPEAHOLICSPODCAST for 10% off!Follow the Hopeaholics on our Socials:https://www.instagram.com/thehopeaholics https://linktr.ee/thehopeaholicsBuy Merch: https://thehopeaholics.myshopify.comVisit our Treatment Centers: https://www.hopebythesea.comIf you or a loved one needs help, please call or text 949-615-8588. We have the resources to treat mental health and addiction. Sponsored by the Infiniti Group LLC:https://www.infinitigroupllc.com Timestamps: 0:00 - Cold Open0:23 - Intro1:07 - Meet Sean Couper / Nashville2:23 - Growing Up: Saint Pete and North Hollywood5:02 - First Drink at 5 Years Old5:51 - First Real Drunk at 138:35 - Finding Out His Real Father Wasn't His Dad10:16 - Moving Out at 18 / Healthcare Career11:24 - Compound Pharmacy: Mixing Meds for HIV Patients13:20 - 30 Years as a Functioning Alcoholic14:10 - Marriage and Family15:45 - The Bachelorette Party Incident19:18 - First Marriage Ends: His Ex-Wife's Pill Addiction21:41 - Single Father, Bottle a Night22:44 - Mom Dies Christmas 2019 / Three DUIs / COVID24:54 - The Doctor Flags His Liver26:57 - Physical Collapse: Jaundice, Edema, Passing Out29:17 - Relapse: "Just One Beer"30:26 - Hiding Bottles, Replacing Liquor with Water33:45 - Daughter Finds the Beer / Wife Throws Him Out34:40 - Agrees to Treatment / Zoom IOP While Still Drinking37:50 - Waving the White Flag39:26 - Telling His Daughter / The Drive to Cumberland Heights42:24 - The "Let Go and Let God" Sign44:24 - Detox, Post-Acute Withdrawal, 21 Questions Exercise47:25 - Leaving Treatment / Wanting to Help People48:31 - Going Back to School50:39 - Getting Back in the Gym / Brian Welch Connection51:18 - Becoming NASM Certified52:48 - Life Today: Full-Time Trainer, Working with People in Recovery55:17 - Fear, New Business, and Building Something New1:00:01 - Chad's First Podcast Panic Attack1:02:18 - How Natalie Joined the Show1:09:11 - Wrap Up

In this episode, Chad and Natalie sit down with John Nettles for an unfiltered conversation about addiction, recovery, identity, and finding hope after years of chaos.John shares his journey from being adopted and discovering his biological family years later, to a decade-long battle with alcoholism, cocaine addiction, prescription Xanax dependence, and the nightlife lifestyle as a DJ and concert promoter. He opens up about multiple treatment attempts, legal trouble, blackouts, near-death experiences, and the emotional toll addiction took on both him and the people who loved him.The turning point came when one phone call challenged everything John thought he knew about sobriety, leading him to discover the difference between simply being abstinent and truly living in recovery.#TheHopeaholics #redemption #recovery #AlcoholAddiction #AddictionRecovery #wedorecover #SobrietyJourney #MyStory #Hope #wedorecover #treatmentcenter #natalieevamarieJoin our patreon to get access to an EXTRA EPISODE every week of ‘Off the Record', exclusive content, a thriving recovery community, and opportunities to be featured on the podcast. https://patreon.com/TheHopeaholics Go to www.Wolfpak.com today and support our sponsors. Don't forget to use code: HOPEAHOLICSPODCAST for 10% off!Follow the Hopeaholics on our Socials:https://www.instagram.com/thehopeaholics https://linktr.ee/thehopeaholicsBuy Merch: https://thehopeaholics.myshopify.comVisit our Treatment Centers: https://www.hopebythesea.comIf you or a loved one needs help, please call or text 949-615-8588. We have the resources to treat mental health and addiction. Sponsored by the Infiniti Group LLC:https://www.infinitigroupllc.com Timestamps:0:00 — Cold open 1:23 — Show intro, Natalie and Chad 4:04 — Born in Richmond, adopted 5:17 — Finding his birth parents through Ancestry.com 6:05 — His birth mom found him through his old DJ page 8:09 — His adoptive dad's own addiction and recovery 11:22 — First treatment at 16, prescribed Xanax 12:24 — First drink, using heavy by 12-13 14:41 — Parents find pills in his room, first treatment program 15:16 — Diagnosed with GAD, put on Ambien and Xanax at 16 17:10 — First time doing cocaine at 15 20:12 — First inpatient treatment, Sierra Tucson 23:10 — Concert promoter years, fentanyl hits the scene 27:57 — First DUI at 18 32:19 — The Vegas bachelor party bender 33:13 — Wedding meltdown, ketamine and a bottle of Xanax 35:35 — Grandma's house in Newport, first blackout disappearance 39:09 — Another DUI, relapses straight out of the impound lot 41:15 — A childhood friend dies, drinks through the funeral 42:44 — Back at Grandma's, wakes up with blood on his hands 45:09 — The call to interventionist Bob Mary 48:24 — His last drink and drug 49:51 — His grandmother's final days 52:02 — Staying teachable in sobriety 53:34 — Ryan Holiday and the truth about treatment 56:20 — Falls into a career working in treatment 1:00:06 — Making amends to his dad 1:01:54 — His grandmother passes days before his one-year sober 1:05:10 — Headlining a sober charity show 1:06:38 — Starting his own podcast 1:18:43 — Chad's own relapse while working in treatment 1:19:31 — What's broken about the addiction treatment industry 1:21:08 — What "the right way" to do treatment looks like 1:23:14 — Aftercare, and going home to the same life 1:25:24 — The gift of desperation

Nichole Duncan used to be a tennis pro and now she's a forensic psychic medium who works cold cases for local law enforcement and federal agencies, the kind of work where the FBI will use what she finds but will never say her name out loud in court.She walks through her first real cold case (a domestic violence victim who "came through like a stinking freight train" with the exact location and evidence of her own murder), how a mentor who used to find Soviet submarines for the U.S. government during the Cold War took her under her wing, and what it's actually like doing readings for people who can never officially admit they called her. Then the conversation turns to veterans, PTSD, and why they think ibogaine and ketamine therapy done right are doing more for guys the VA couldn't fix than another bag of pills ever did. #TheHopeaholics #redemption #recovery #AlcoholAddiction #AddictionRecovery #wedorecover #SobrietyJourney #MyStory #Hope #wedorecover #treatmentcenter #natalieevamarieJoin our patreon to get access to an EXTRA EPISODE every week of ‘Off the Record', exclusive content, a thriving recovery community, and opportunities to be featured on the podcast. https://patreon.com/TheHopeaholics Go to www.Wolfpak.com today and support our sponsors. Don't forget to use code: HOPEAHOLICSPODCAST for 10% off!Follow the Hopeaholics on our Socials:https://www.instagram.com/thehopeaholics https://linktr.ee/thehopeaholicsBuy Merch: https://thehopeaholics.myshopify.comVisit our Treatment Centers: https://www.hopebythesea.comIf you or a loved one needs help, please call or text 949-615-8588. We have the resources to treat mental health and addiction. Sponsored by the Infiniti Group LLC:https://www.infinitigroupllc.com Timestamps:00:00 – Cold open: a missing girl's guardian angel and a murder victim who won't stay quiet01:15 – Show intro02:44 – What a "forensic psychic medium" actually is04:25 – What happens when we die, the life review07:59 – How loved ones communicate through dreams09:48 – Meditation, ADHD, and opening up psychic ability16:24 – Nichole's first real mediumship experience (the "Jill" story)18:57 – From reading for friends to working with law enforcement20:24 – What an actual reading looks like22:01 – The missing girl case and the Nikki McKinney cold case24:16 – Nichole's autistic son's gift with animals24:58 – Angela Ford's podcast and getting trained in remote viewing29:28 – Does the work scare her or her husband30:08 – A reading that caught a stranger's heart condition31:11 – How skeptical are the feds, really32:31 – How Nichole stays emotionally unaffected by heavy cases37:26 – Being intentional about what you let into your head40:38 – Segue into veterans and PTSD41:01 – Ibogaine, DMT, and psychedelic therapy in a controlled setting42:33 – Ketamine therapy and a friend's experience44:19 – The documentary "In Waves and War"46:07 – Big pharma and the conflict of interest with veteran care1:06:15 – The preacher who taught him grace1:06:40 – Jesus, the afterlife, and the "second coming"1:07:51 – Why neither of them believes in hell anymore1:08:57 – How Nicole manages a business built on readings1:10:16 – Where to find Nichole Duncan

In this episode of The Hopeaholics Podcast, Blake Mathews shares his story of addiction, adoption, and finding faith through music. Adopted at birth and raised in a Jewish household in Phoenix, Blake started DJing weddings and bar mitzvahs at 13 and built a career in music and nightlife while quietly hiding a worsening addiction for over a decade. By the time he moved to Nashville in 2014 to chase a career in the arts, he was a high functioning alcoholic leaning on psychedelics, convinced they made him a better artist, while the people closest to him had no idea how bad it had gotten.Blake opens up about hitting bottom in Nashville, calling his dad for help, and getting into treatment within 48 hours, only to relapse after walking away from music entirely and moving back to Phoenix. He found lasting sobriety on a sober hike up a mountain he stumbled onto by chance, and he's been sober since. Today, Blake is the founder of Sober House Records and co-founder of Formerly Intoxicated, a nonprofit bringing music and healing arts into treatment centers and prisons. He shares how a chance encounter with two strangers praying in a coffee shop changed everything, and how he turned his pain into a mission: redemption is real, prevention is possible, and recovery is for everyone. #TheHopeaholics #redemption #recovery #AlcoholAddiction #AddictionRecovery #wedorecover #SobrietyJourney #MyStory #Hope #wedorecover #treatmentcenter #natalieevamarieJoin our patreon to get access to an EXTRA EPISODE every week of ‘Off the Record', exclusive content, a thriving recovery community, and opportunities to be featured on the podcast. https://patreon.com/TheHopeaholics Go to www.Wolfpak.com today and support our sponsors. Don't forget to use code: HOPEAHOLICSPODCAST for 10% off!Follow the Hopeaholics on our Socials:https://www.instagram.com/thehopeaholics https://linktr.ee/thehopeaholicsBuy Merch: https://thehopeaholics.myshopify.comVisit our Treatment Centers: https://www.hopebythesea.comIf you or a loved one needs help, please call or text 949-615-8588. We have the resources to treat mental health and addiction. Sponsored by the Infiniti Group LLC:https://www.infinitigroupllc.com Timestamps:0:00 Intro1:26 Meet Blake Matthews2:27 Handing flip flops to a barefoot stranger in 100 degree heat4:33 The fentanyl crisis hiding in plain sight6:14 The DM Chad got this morning7:13 Chad's stance on calling it fentanyl poisoning9:43 Adopted at birth, and the search for belonging12:12 Functioning addict, DJing weddings since age 1313:50 Chasing music to Nashville, and hitting a wall17:21 The night he called his dad19:09 What his graduation photos actually showed20:31 Moving home, and walking away from music22:00 Relapse, one beer with an old friend23:00 The mountain hike that changed everything26:40 The recover out loud movement29:08 Connection as the opposite of addiction31:35 The lie that drugs make you more creative33:51 Bringing music into treatment centers and prisons35:15 The starving artist trap47:01 First job in recovery, teaching kids life skills49:20 Leaving it all to go full time into Sober House Records51:22 Opening his first sober living home53:39 Raised Jewish, and why Jesus was a bad word56:19 Two strangers praying in a coffee shop57:25 The 10pm Bible study that didn't end until 4am58:21 The night he gave his life to Jesus1:01:34 Inside his album, Unbury Your Burdens1:03:11 Still wrestling with depression after finding faith1:04:22 Stacking wins1:05:43 The fastest way out of depression1:09:08 How his family sees him now1:13:11 What Formerly Intoxicated actually does

In this episode of The Hopeaholics Podcast, Ryan Foley shares his powerful story of alcoholism, mental health, surrender, fatherhood, and the unexpected life recovery gave him. Ryan grew up outside of Chicago, went on to attend Cornell University, built a successful career, and eventually worked at companies like Google and Groupon before addiction began taking over his life. For years, he was able to function on the outside while drinking every day, but behind the scenes his body was shutting down. He opens up about drinking a handle a day, waking up in withdrawal, shaking, sweating, and reaching the point where doctors told him that if he kept drinking, he could die.Ryan also shares his experience being diagnosed with bipolar disorder at 20 years old, the shame he carried around mental health, and why getting sober was the only way he could truly begin treating what was underneath. Today, Ryan is nearly five years sober, a husband, father of two with a third baby on the way, a performance coach, and a world champion professional sailor. He shares how recovery brought him back to athletics, led him into a completely different career, and gave him a life he never thought was possible. From surrendering in treatment to launching "Big Tuesday," a movement encouraging men to lift heavy, stay disciplined, and take ownership of their health, Ryan's story is a reminder that recovery does not just save lives — it can completely transform them.#thehopeaholics #redemption #recovery #AlcoholAddiction #AddictionRecovery #wedorecover #SobrietyJourney #MyStory #Hope #wedorecover #treatmentcenter #natalieevamarieJoin our patreon to get access to an EXTRA EPISODE every week of 'Off the Record', exclusive content, a thriving recovery community, and opportunities to be featured on the podcast. https://patreon.com/TheHopeaholicsGo to www.Wolfpak.com today and support our sponsors. Don't forget to use code: HOPEAHOLICSPODCAST for 10% off!Follow the Hopeaholics on our Socials:https://www.instagram.com/thehopeaholicshttps://linktr.ee/thehopeaholicsBuy Merch:https://thehopeaholics.myshopify.comVisit our Treatment Centers: https://www.hopebythesea.comIf you or a loved one needs help, please call or text 949-615-8588. We have the resources to treat mental health and addiction.Sponsored by the Infiniti Group LLC:https://www.infinitigroupllc.com

The 10-Car Crash That Exposed Her Secret Addiction w/ Elisa Saunders | The Hopeaholics PodcastIn this episode of the Hopeaholics Podcast, Elisa Saunders shares an incredibly raw story of addiction, trauma, survival, and the long road to recovery after decades of chaos behind the scenes of both alcoholism and the treatment industry. Elisa spent nearly 30 years drinking while maintaining the image of a functioning professional, all while cycling through alcohol, Xanax, cocaine, and the kind of self-destruction that nearly killed her. She opens up about the pain of childhood abuse, the emotional wounds that followed her into adulthood, and how addiction became both an escape and a prison she couldn't break free from. The conversation dives into her time working in the treatment world during some of its most corrupt years, where she witnessed body brokering, fraud, and the exploitation of vulnerable people seeking help. Elisa also shares the terrifying consequences of her own addiction, including a DUI, a devastating ten-car pileup, and the moment she realized she was either going to get sober or die. Even after getting clean, she reveals the brutal emotional reality of early recovery, including the shame, depression, and suicidal thoughts she had to fight through without numbing herself. Today, Elisa uses her story and experience to advocate for ethical treatment, real recovery, and better solutions for people trapped in addiction.#thehopeaholics  #redemption #recovery #AlcoholAddiction #AddictionRecovery #wedorecover #SobrietyJourney #MyStory #Hope #wedorecover #treatmentcenter #natalieevamarieJoin our patreon to get access to an EXTRA EPISODE every week of ‘Off the Record', exclusive content, a thriving recovery community, and opportunities to be featured on the podcast. https://patreon.com/TheHopeaholics Go to www.Wolfpak.com today and support our sponsors. Don't forget to use code: HOPEAHOLICSPODCAST for 10% off!Follow the Hopeaholics on our Socials:https://www.instagram.com/thehopeaholics https://linktr.ee/thehopeaholicsBuy Merch: https://thehopeaholics.myshopify.comVisit our Treatment Centers: https://www.hopebythesea.comIf you or a loved one needs help, please call or text 949-615-8588. We have the resources to treat mental health and addiction. Sponsored by the Infiniti Group LLC:https://www.infinitigroupllc.com Timestamps:00:05:09 - 30 Years of Drinking While Working as a Schoolteacher00:05:32 - Booze, Xanax and Cocaine Becoming Her Routine00:08:17 - Entering the Wild West of the Treatment Industry00:08:54 - The Real Story Behind Body Brokering in Florida00:10:29 - Watching Corrupt Treatment Operators Get Busted00:11:09 - Seeing People Brokered Out of AA Meetings00:12:30 - Testifying Against Her Half Brother After Childhood Abuse00:16:58 - Realizing She Could Never Stay Stopped00:18:50 - The DUI That Exposed How Out of Control Her Life Had Become00:19:12 - Causing a Ten-Car Pileup and Hiding It as a Teacher00:22:22 - Reaching the Point Where She Knew She Was Going to Die00:22:47 - Going to Treatment Because Jail Was the Alternative00:24:50 - Getting Sober and Still Wanting to Kill Herself00:25:58 - “I Never Felt Good Enough” Without Alcohol00:58:57 - The Recovery App She Believes Could Help Save Lives

The Opposite of Addiction Isn't Sobriety with Stefanos Sifandos | The Hopeaholics PodcastIn this episode of the Hopeaholics Podcast, Stefanos Sifandos joins the show for a deep and thought-provoking conversation about trauma, relationships, addiction, personal growth, and the journey toward true emotional freedom. As an internationally recognized relationship coach, author, and speaker, Stefanos has spent years helping people understand the hidden wounds that shape their behaviors, beliefs, and connections with others. He opens up about growing up in a household marked by violence, chaos, and emotional struggle, and how those early experiences led him on a lifelong search for healing and self-discovery. The conversation explores the powerful link between addiction and disconnection, why so many people avoid their emotions, and how unresolved childhood experiences continue to influence adult relationships. Stefanos also shares his perspective on attachment, vulnerability, masculinity, fatherhood, and the importance of developing a deeper relationship with yourself. Throughout the episode, he explains how generational trauma gets passed down, why meaningful connection is essential for healing, and what it takes to break destructive patterns that keep people stuck. With a unique blend of personal experience, psychology, spirituality, and practical wisdom, Stefanos offers insights that challenge conventional thinking and encourage lasting transformation.#thehopeaholics  #redemption #recovery  #AlcoholAddiction #AddictionRecovery #wedorecover #SobrietyJourney #MyStory #Hope #wedorecover #treatmentcenter #natalieevamarieJoin our patreon to get access to an EXTRA EPISODE every week of ‘Off the Record', exclusive content, a thriving recovery community, and opportunities to be featured on the podcast. https://patreon.com/TheHopeaholics Go to www.Wolfpak.com today and support our sponsors. Don't forget to use code: HOPEAHOLICSPODCAST for 10% off!Follow the Hopeaholics on our Socials:https://www.instagram.com/thehopeaholics https://linktr.ee/thehopeaholicsBuy Merch: https://thehopeaholics.myshopify.comVisit our Treatment Centers: https://www.hopebythesea.comIf you or a loved one needs help, please call or text 949-615-8588. We have the resources to treat mental health and addiction. Sponsored by the Infiniti Group LLC:https://www.infinitigroupllc.com Timestamps:00:13:24 - Growing Up Overweight, Insecure and Finding Fitness00:14:37 - Violence, Chaos and Trauma Inside His Childhood Home00:16:17 - Why His Difficult Childhood Sparked a Lifelong Study of Relationships00:23:12 - The Human Need for Belonging00:23:32 - Why the Opposite of Addiction Is Connection00:24:13 - Addiction, Isolation and the Emotions We All Share00:25:15 - Discovering He Was Neurodivergent00:35:03 - Why Society Teaches Us to Avoid Feeling00:36:23 - How Generational Trauma Gets Passed Down00:57:16 - Living in Denial and Hiding in the Shadows00:58:46 - Insecurity, Jealousy and Going Through Your Partner's Phone01:01:13 - How Fatherhood Opened His Heart01:05:08 - Working With His Wife and Confronting His Ego01:06:33 - The Meaning Behind His Book Tuned In and Turned On01:07:12 - How Childhood Shapes Adult Relationships, Love and Attachment

California's Failed Addiction Policies Explained with Laurie Davies | The Hopeaholics PodcastIn this episode of the Hopeaholics Podcast, California Assemblywoman Laurie Davies joins the show for an important conversation about addiction, fentanyl, homelessness, mental health, and the policies shaping recovery across the state. Representing California's 74th Assembly District, Laurie has become a leading voice in the fight to improve treatment access, protect recovery programs, and address the devastating impact of the fentanyl crisis. She shares how personal experiences with addiction, mental illness, and loss have influenced her work and strengthened her commitment to helping vulnerable families. The conversation explores the unintended consequences of policies like Proposition 47, the challenges surrounding homelessness and accountability, and why many people seeking treatment still struggle to find available beds when they are finally ready for help. Laurie also discusses insurance fraud in the treatment industry, legislative efforts to protect patients, and the importance of expanding quality recovery resources throughout California. Throughout the episode, she offers a candid look at what is happening behind the scenes in government and what still needs to change to save lives. From mental health reform and public safety to recovery, faith, and personal responsibility, this conversation tackles some of the most urgent issues facing communities today.#thehopeaholics  #redemption #recovery #AlcoholAddiction #AddictionRecovery #wedorecover #SobrietyJourney #MyStory #Hope #wedorecover #treatmentcenter #natalieevamarieJoin our patreon to get access to an EXTRA EPISODE every week of ‘Off the Record', exclusive content, a thriving recovery community, and opportunities to be featured on the podcast. https://patreon.com/TheHopeaholics Go to www.Wolfpak.com today and support our sponsors. Don't forget to use code: HOPEAHOLICSPODCAST for 10% off!Follow the Hopeaholics on our Socials:https://www.instagram.com/thehopeaholics https://linktr.ee/thehopeaholicsBuy Merch: https://thehopeaholics.myshopify.comVisit our Treatment Centers: https://www.hopebythesea.comIf you or a loved one needs help, please call or text 949-615-8588. We have the resources to treat mental health and addiction. Sponsored by the Infiniti Group LLC:https://www.infinitigroupllc.com Timestamps:00:13:42 - Protecting Treatment Centers and Stopping Fraud00:14:52 - The Insurance Fraud Crisis Hurting Treatment Centers00:18:32 - New Legislation to Protect Addiction Treatment Patients00:22:23 - How Prop 47 Changed Addiction and Homelessness00:24:18 - Prop 36 Passes but Goes Unfunded00:28:40 - Why Consequences Can Help Save an Addict's Life00:30:52 - Homelessness, Addiction and Accountability00:35:01 - Addiction as a Spiritual Problem00:36:47 - Her Family's Experience With Severe Mental Illness00:40:56 - The Crisis of Finding Treatment Beds in California00:41:24 - Every Hour Matters When Someone Asks for Help00:42:05 - Losing a Loved One to Fentanyl00:42:49 - Why She Carries Narcan Everywhere00:52:21 - “You're Only One Person Away From a Fentanyl Death”00:56:14 - The Audit That Exposed Major Oversight Failures

The Day He Finally Got Tired of Being Homeless w/ CRASH | The Hopeaholics PodcastIn this episode of the Hopeaholics Podcast, Crash shares the incredible story of how he went from living homeless on the streets of Santa Ana for years to finding recovery, purpose, and a new life in sobriety. After first experimenting with heroin as a teenager, Crash spent more than a decade trapped in addiction, cycling through homelessness, arrests, failed treatment attempts, and countless moments that could have ended his life. He opens up about sleeping on the streets, losing hope, and believing that recovery simply wasn't possible for someone like him. The conversation dives into the realities of addiction, what life is actually like for people living unhoused, and the devastating toll drugs take on families, friendships, and self-worth. Crash also shares the turning points that led him to treatment, the people who refused to give up on him, and the moment he finally became willing to change. Today, he dedicates his life to helping others escape the same darkness by connecting people struggling with addiction to treatment and recovery resources. His story is a powerful reminder that no one is too far gone, no matter how hopeless their situation may seem.#wedorecover #TheHopeaholics #redemption #recovery #AlcoholAddiction #AddictionRecovery #wedorecover #SobrietyJourney #MyStory #Hope #wedorecover #treatmentcenter #natalieevamarieJoin our patreon to get access to an EXTRA EPISODE every week of ‘Off the Record', exclusive content, a thriving recovery community, and opportunities to be featured on the podcast. https://patreon.com/TheHopeaholics Go to www.Wolfpak.com today and support our sponsors. Don't forget to use code: HOPEAHOLICSPODCAST for 10% off!Follow the Hopeaholics on our Socials:https://www.instagram.com/thehopeaholics https://linktr.ee/thehopeaholicsBuy Merch: https://thehopeaholics.myshopify.comVisit our Treatment Centers: https://www.hopebythesea.comIf you or a loved one needs help, please call or text 949-615-8588. We have the resources to treat mental health and addiction. Sponsored by the Infiniti Group LLC:https://www.infinitigroupllc.com Timestamps:00:04:21 - First Experiences With Heroin at 15 and 1700:05:06 - Living Homeless on the Streets of Santa Ana for Seven Years00:06:04 - Dropping Out of School and Spiraling Into Addiction00:07:33 - More Than a Decade Living on the Streets00:09:53 - Waking Up at His Dad's House After Hitting Rock Bottom00:10:27 - First Attempt at Rehab in Florida00:11:00 - Relapsing Immediately After Treatment00:18:07 - 110 Days Sober and Rebuilding His Life00:18:52 - “I Hit Rock Bottom and Found a Basement”00:19:50 - Helping Other Homeless Addicts Get Into Treatment00:20:20 - The Viral Recovery Story That Started a Movement00:21:58 - How Victor and Fresh Start Rescue People From the Streets00:30:56 - Helping 15+ Friends Get Clean Together00:31:50 - What Recovery Looks Like Today00:32:32 - Accepting a Higher Power in Recovery00:36:01 - The Reality of Open Drug Use in Santa Ana00:36:25 - Getting Swept, Arrested and Losing Everything00:37:19 - Why Hope Matters More Than Resources00:38:11 - Getting a Taste of Sobriety for the First Time00:39:01 - Becoming an Inspiration to Friends Still Struggling00:43:14 - Why Service Is Essential to Recovery00:44:06 - The Story Behind the Nickname “Crash”00:44:55 - Opiates Left His Neck Permanently Bent Forward00:57:24 - Celebrating Sobriety and Looking Toward the Futur

The Fentanyl Crisis Is Worse Than You Think w/ Luis Romero | The Hopeaholics PodcastIn this episode of the Hopeaholics Podcast, Luis Romero shares his incredible journey from heroin addiction, gang involvement, and felony charges to becoming a powerful voice in recovery and fentanyl awareness. With over 13 years sober, Luis opens up about the darkest moments of his addiction, the impact of losing his father at a young age, and how searching for belonging led him down a destructive path. He shares the life-changing decision to stay in treatment longer than planned, the challenges of being a "dry drunk," and the personal growth that allowed him to become someone his family could be proud of. We also dive into the fentanyl epidemic, the dangers of counterfeit pills, fentanyl-laced drugs, and the heartbreaking losses that inspired Luis to launch Fuck Fentanyl San Diego and dedicate his life to saving others. This conversation is filled with powerful recovery insights, raw honesty, and an important message about grief, purpose, and honoring the people we've lost by living a meaningful life. If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, this episode offers hope, perspective, and proof that lasting recovery is possible.#thehopeaholics  #redemption #recovery #AlcoholAddiction #AddictionRecovery #wedorecover #SobrietyJourney #MyStory #Hope #wedorecover #treatmentcenter #natalieevamarieJoin our patreon to get access to an EXTRA EPISODE every week of ‘Off the Record', exclusive content, a thriving recovery community, and opportunities to be featured on the podcast. https://patreon.com/TheHopeaholics Go to www.Wolfpak.com today and support our sponsors. Don't forget to use code: HOPEAHOLICSPODCAST for 10% off!Follow the Hopeaholics on our Socials:https://www.instagram.com/thehopeaholics https://linktr.ee/thehopeaholicsBuy Merch: https://thehopeaholics.myshopify.comVisit our Treatment Centers: https://www.hopebythesea.comIf you or a loved one needs help, please call or text 949-615-8588. We have the resources to treat mental health and addiction. Sponsored by the Infiniti Group LLC:https://www.infinitigroupllc.com Timestamps:00:03:30 - Why He Started Fuck Fentanyl San Diego00:06:57 - 13 Years Sober and Life After Heroin00:14:59 - Living an Animalistic Life Chasing Heroin00:16:08 - Family Taking Him In During Addiction00:17:14 - Heroin Addiction, Gangs and Catching a Felony Case00:18:08 - Running From Police After a Party Gone Wrong00:26:45 - Staying in Treatment an Extra Four Months to Survive00:33:30 - Recovery Turned Him Into Someone His Family Could Be Proud Of00:34:10 - The Pain of Being a Dry Drunk for Nine Years00:43:24 - Losing His Father at 10 and the Impact on His Addiction00:45:24 - His Father Died of a Heart Attack at 3300:46:31 - Seeking Validation Through Gangs After Losing His Dad00:48:11 - How His Friend's Death Sparked His Mission and Podcast00:58:04 - Why Illicit Fentanyl Is Pure Poison01:00:39 - The Shocking Reality of Fake Fentanyl Pills01:01:48 - A Celebration Turned Fatal After Fentanyl-Laced Cocaine01:05:24 - Honoring Loved Ones Instead of Letting Grief Destroy You01:06:02 - Living Life in Honor of His Father and Best Friend

Losing Everything and Building a Better Life with Dan Sachkowsky | The Hopeaholics PodcastIn this episode of the Hopeaholics Podcast, Dan Sachkowsky shares the life lessons, failures, victories, and wake-up calls that completely transformed his perspective on success, happiness, and purpose. Dan opens up about the heart attack that forced him to reevaluate everything, losing nearly all of his wealth during the 2007 financial crash, navigating divorce, raising three children, and overcoming addiction through drug court. He explains why chasing money, status, cars, and material success left him feeling empty, and how true fulfillment comes from personal growth, service, and self-awareness. We also dive into leadership, entrepreneurship, coaching, mental health, and the mindset shifts that helped him rebuild his life and business from the ground up. Dan shares powerful advice for anyone facing adversity, struggling through major life changes, or searching for a deeper sense of purpose. This conversation is packed with wisdom, hard-earned lessons, and practical tools for building resilience in every area of life.#thehopeaholics  #redemption #recovery #AlcoholAddiction #AddictionRecovery #wedorecover #SobrietyJourney #MyStory #Hope #wedorecover #treatmentcenter #natalieevamarieJoin our patreon to get access to an EXTRA EPISODE every week of ‘Off the Record', exclusive content, a thriving recovery community, and opportunities to be featured on the podcast. https://patreon.com/TheHopeaholics Go to www.Wolfpak.com today and support our sponsors. Don't forget to use code: HOPEAHOLICSPODCAST for 10% off!Follow the Hopeaholics on our Socials:https://www.instagram.com/thehopeaholics https://linktr.ee/thehopeaholicsBuy Merch: https://thehopeaholics.myshopify.comVisit our Treatment Centers: https://www.hopebythesea.comIf you or a loved one needs help, please call or text 949-615-8588. We have the resources to treat mental health and addiction. Sponsored by the Infiniti Group LLC:https://www.infinitigroupllc.com Timestamps:00:02:21 - Speaking on How Pressure Builds Your Life00:03:00 - Heart Attack That Changed Everything00:15:54 - Chasing Money, Mansions, Cars and Validation00:16:25 - Losing Everything During the 2007 Crash00:17:50 - Why Real Success Has Nothing to Do With Cars or Houses00:18:17 - Exposing Fake Wealth on Social Media00:42:37 - Secretly Entering Drug Court During a Divorce00:43:18 - Marriage, Divorce and Raising Three Kids00:46:38 - Why Happiness Can't Come From Other People00:48:19 - “Don't Go Through Things, Grow Through Things”00:49:49 - Powerful Advice to a Divorced Uber Driver01:01:20 - From Construction Business Owner to Executive Coach01:02:06 - The Biggest Problem in Your Business Is You01:06:52 - Defining the Legacy He Wants to Leave Behind01:10:00 - Podcaster Guest Opens Up About Depression Then Dies 7 Days Later01:21:35 - Building Big D Coaching and His Personal Brand

HelpUcompli: Raising the Standard in Addiction Treatment Compliance | The Hopeaholics PodcastIn this episode of the Hopeaholics Podcast, Laura Weeks reveals the hidden side of the addiction treatment industry that few people ever see. After losing a close friend to a fentanyl overdose, Laura dedicated her life to helping treatment centers operate ethically, legally, and successfully through her company, HelpUcompli. She shares her powerful personal story of growing up in an alcoholic household, losing her mother as an infant, and how those experiences shaped her passion for helping others. We dive deep into insurance audits, compliance failures, patient brokering, credentialing battles, and the challenges treatment centers face in an increasingly regulated environment. Laura also breaks down the reality behind multi-million-dollar insurance clawbacks, how facilities can protect themselves, and why compliance is essential to providing quality care. Whether you're a treatment professional, recovery advocate, business owner, or someone impacted by addiction, this conversation offers valuable insight into the systems that affect recovery every day.#thehopeaholics #redemption #recovery #AlcoholAddiction #AddictionRecovery #wedorecover #SobrietyJourney #MyStory #Hope #wedorecover #treatmentcenter #natalieevamarieCheck out HelpUcompli here:https://helpucompli.com/Join our patreon to get access to an EXTRA EPISODE every week of ‘Off the Record', exclusive content, a thriving recovery community, and opportunities to be featured on the podcast. https://patreon.com/TheHopeaholics Go to www.Wolfpak.com today and support our sponsors. Don't forget to use code: HOPEAHOLICSPODCAST for 10% off!Follow the Hopeaholics on our Socials:https://www.instagram.com/thehopeaholics https://linktr.ee/thehopeaholicsBuy Merch: https://thehopeaholics.myshopify.comVisit our Treatment Centers: https://www.hopebythesea.comIf you or a loved one needs help, please call or text 949-615-8588. We have the resources to treat mental health and addiction. Sponsored by the Infiniti Group LLC:https://www.infinitigroupllc.com Timestamps:00:10:09 - Launching Help You Comply After Personal Loss00:11:44 - Growing Up in an Alcoholic Household00:12:10 - Losing Her Mother at 11 Months Old00:18:56 - What HelpUcompli Actually Does00:19:55 - Managing Compliance Across All 50 States00:23:31 - How Facilities Can Survive Insurance Audits00:24:24 - Facing a $25 Million Clawback Audit00:26:08 - Anthem's Attack on California Treatment Centers00:34:03 - The Truth About Insurance Network Contracts00:35:12 - Winning Anthem Credentialing Battles00:43:23 - Why She Started HelpUcompli00:44:03 - Helping Recovery-Based Owners Succeed00:50:06 - Compliance, Marketing & Patient Brokering Explained

Inside the Mind of an Addicted Police Officer with Scott Graham | The Hopeaholics PodcastFrom corrupt cop to nationally respected interventionist, Scott Graham shares one of the wildest and most powerful recovery stories we've ever heard. In this episode of the Hopeaholics Podcast, Scott opens up about living a double life as an LA County Sheriff battling addiction, getting arrested while on duty, becoming an exotic dancer after prison, finding faith, marrying his wife in just 20 days, and ultimately dedicating his life to helping families heal from addiction. With over 2,000 interventions and nearly four decades in recovery work, this conversation is packed with raw honesty, redemption, laughter, and life-changing insight for anyone struggling with addiction, mental health, or family trauma. If you or someone you love is fighting this battle, this episode will leave you inspired and hopeful. Scott also breaks down why family recovery is just as important as individual recovery, and how healing the entire household can change generational patterns forever. From shocking undercover stories to deeply emotional moments about faith, prison, marriage, and fatherhood, this episode takes you on an unforgettable journey of transformation.#TheHopeaholics #redemption #recovery #AlcoholAddiction #AddictionRecovery #wedorecover #SobrietyJourney #MyStory #Hope #wedorecover #treatmentcenter #natalieevamarieJoin our patreon to get access to an EXTRA EPISODE every week of ‘Off the Record', exclusive content, a thriving recovery community, and opportunities to be featured on the podcast. https://patreon.com/TheHopeaholics Go to www.Wolfpak.com today and support our sponsors. Don't forget to use code: HOPEAHOLICSPODCAST for 10% off!Follow the Hopeaholics on our Socials:https://www.instagram.com/thehopeaholics https://linktr.ee/thehopeaholicsBuy Merch: https://thehopeaholics.myshopify.comVisit our Treatment Centers: https://www.hopebythesea.comIf you or a loved one needs help, please call or text 949-615-8588. We have the resources to treat mental health and addiction. Sponsored by the Infiniti Group LLC:https://www.infinitigroupllc.com Timestamps:00:03:00 - Meeting and Marrying His Wife in 20 Days00:03:32 - From Pool Cleaner to LA County Sheriff00:04:47 - Lying Through the Sheriff Hiring Process00:06:05 - Joining Vice Narcotics and Addiction Escalating00:08:08 - Marriage Falling Apart While Thriving at Work00:09:01 - Running Corrupt Drug Stops for Money00:10:50 - Getting Exposed in Court00:11:31 - Arrested on Duty and Facing Prison00:12:11 - Becoming an Exotic Dancer After Jail00:13:39 - Meeting Jenny at Sagebrush Cantina00:16:39 - Eloping in Vegas00:17:21 - Pleading Guilty and Going to Prison00:20:36 - Discovering His Calling in Interventions

The Truth About Wealth Most People Never Learn with Bart Zandbergen | The Hopeaholics PodcastReturning guest Bart Zandbergen joins the Hopeaholics Podcast for a powerful conversation about wealth, discipline, purpose, and what it really takes to build a meaningful life. As a nationally recognized wealth advisor, entrepreneur, and financial educator, Bart has spent decades helping successful families and business owners create long-term financial freedom while avoiding the emotional traps that destroy wealth. In this episode, he reflects on his journey from growing up in the Netherlands to moving to America at just 17 years old with very little money and learning how to build success from the ground up. Bart opens up about the sacrifices, failures, and lessons that shaped his mindset around money, discipline, relationships, and leadership. The conversation dives deep into why most people stay financially stuck, how emotions quietly sabotage decision-making, and the difference between simply making money versus creating lasting wealth and fulfillment. Bart also shares his perspective on mentorship, raising financially intelligent families, and why true success has more to do with purpose and contribution than status or material possessions. Throughout the episode, he offers practical wisdom for entrepreneurs, young professionals, and anyone trying to build a better future without losing themselves in the process. Whether you're focused on business, personal growth, financial freedom, or creating a life with deeper meaning, this conversation with Bart delivers timeless advice and real perspective.#thehopeaholics  #redemption #recovery #AlcoholAddiction #AddictionRecovery #wedorecover #SobrietyJourney #MyStory #Hope #wedorecover #treatmentcenter #natalieevamarieJoin our patreon to get access to an EXTRA EPISODE every week of ‘Off the Record', exclusive content, a thriving recovery community, and opportunities to be featured on the podcast. https://patreon.com/TheHopeaholics Go to www.Wolfpak.com today and support our sponsors. Don't forget to use code: HOPEAHOLICSPODCAST for 10% off!Follow the Hopeaholics on our Socials:https://www.instagram.com/thehopeaholics https://linktr.ee/thehopeaholicsBuy Merch: https://thehopeaholics.myshopify.comVisit our Treatment Centers: https://www.hopebythesea.comIf you or a loved one needs help, please call or text 949-615-8588. We have the resources to treat mental health and addiction. Sponsored by the Infiniti Group LLC:https://www.infinitigroupllc.com Timestamps:00:03:41 - Growing Up in the Netherlands00:05:18 - Moving to America at 17 Years Old00:07:02 - Learning English and Adapting to a New Culture00:10:11 - Early Struggles With Money and Identity00:14:26 - Discovering Entrepreneurship and Finance00:18:09 - Building Wealth From Nothing00:21:33 - The Difference Between Rich and Wealthy00:25:47 - Why Most People Stay Financially Stuck00:29:18 - The Habits That Separate Successful People00:33:52 - Making His First Major Investment Mistake00:37:14 - Learning Discipline and Delayed Gratification00:41:27 - How Emotional Decisions Destroy Wealth00:45:36 - Teaching Financial Literacy to Families00:49:58 - Why Most People Never Reach Financial Freedom00:54:21 - The Importance of Mentorship in Business00:58:07 - Balancing Success, Family and Personal Fulfillment01:02:46 - Why Money Alone Won't Make You Happy01:08:13 - Faith, Purpose and Long-Term Vision01:14:55 - Advice for Young Entrepreneurs Starting From Scratch

Brad Jensen: Using Heroin While His Mom Drove | The Hopeaholics PodcastIn this episode of The Hopeaholics Podcast, Brad Jensen,  widely known online as “The Sober Bodybuilder,” joins the Hopeaholics Podcast for a brutally honest conversation about addiction, homelessness, recovery, and rebuilding a life from rock bottom. Before becoming a successful fitness coach and helping millions through his content, Brad was trapped in a devastating cycle of heroin, meth, alcohol, and prescription pill addiction that nearly killed him multiple times. In this episode, he opens up about being bullied as a kid, finding confidence through fitness, and how quickly pain pills turned into full-blown addiction. Brad shares stories about smuggling drugs across the border, manipulating the people who loved him, and spiraling into homelessness while desperately trying to survive. He also reflects on the heartbreaking moments that forced him to confront the reality of what addiction had done to his family, relationships, and identity. As the conversation unfolds, Brad explains how sobriety, mentorship, fitness, faith, and personal accountability completely transformed his life and gave him a new purpose. From emotional conversations about forgiveness and making amends to powerful lessons on discipline and recovery, this episode is packed with raw truth and perspective. Whether you're battling addiction yourself, supporting someone who is, or searching for motivation to change your life, Brad's story is proof that recovery is possible no matter how far gone things feel.#thehopeaholics  #redemption #recovery #AlcoholAddiction #AddictionRecovery #wedorecover #SobrietyJourney #MyStory #Hope #wedorecover #treatmentcenter #natalieevamarieJoin our patreon to get access to an EXTRA EPISODE every week of ‘Off the Record', exclusive content, a thriving recovery community, and opportunities to be featured on the podcast. https://patreon.com/TheHopeaholics Go to www.Wolfpak.com today and support our sponsors. Don't forget to use code: HOPEAHOLICSPODCAST for 10% off!Follow the Hopeaholics on our Socials:https://www.instagram.com/thehopeaholics https://linktr.ee/thehopeaholicsBuy Merch: https://thehopeaholics.myshopify.comVisit our Treatment Centers: https://www.hopebythesea.comIf you or a loved one needs help, please call or text 949-615-8588. We have the resources to treat mental health and addiction. Sponsored by the Infiniti Group LLC:https://www.infinitigroupllc.com Timestamps:00:04:25 - Finding Heroin After Becoming a Personal Trainer00:05:32 - Being Overweight and Bullied as a Kid00:06:12 - First Experience With Alcohol at 1300:10:49 - Gym Mentors Told Him to Quit Drinking00:11:54 - Taking Pain Pills for the First Time00:13:00 - “I Had Fully Arrived” After Hydrocodone00:13:42 - Smuggling Pills Across the Mexico Border00:15:02 - Girlfriend Calls Him a Drug Addict00:17:38 - Telling His Mom He Was Addicted to Heroin00:18:19 - First Rehab Experience at 20 Years Old00:19:19 - Sneaking Out of Rehab and Relapsing00:39:39 - Parents Finally Cut Him Off Completely00:40:30 - Using Meth to Survive and Hustle00:41:02 - Living Homeless Around Dangerous People00:41:44 - Withdrawing at His Grandfather's Funeral00:42:43 - His Mother Watching Him Inject Drugs00:43:44 - Realizing He Had to Get Sober or Die00:57:46 - Learning Gratitude Through Sobriety00:58:37 - Discovering a Mentor Relapsed After 10 Years Sober01:10:12 - “You Don't Have a Drug Problem, You Have a You Problem”01:20:07 - Making Amends With His Father01:21:09 - His Father's Emotional Apology01:26:06 - Fully Surrendering His Life to God

“I HAD NO SAFE PLACE GROWING UP” with Blaire White | The Hopeaholics PodcastIn this episode of the Hopeaholics Podcast, Blaire White opens up about the trauma, addiction, and chaos she experienced growing up in a small rural town surrounded by drugs, family dysfunction, and cult influences. Known for her outspoken commentary, viral YouTube presence, and controversial takes on culture and identity, Blaire shares a side of herself rarely seen online. She reflects on how witnessing addiction firsthand shaped her decision to avoid hard drugs entirely and break the cycle that consumed many around her. The conversation dives into her transition journey, the struggles of feeling different as a child, and how she learned to survive emotionally through imagination, independence, and resilience. Blaire also speaks candidly about forgiveness, healing family wounds, and the difficult process of confronting childhood trauma later in life. As the episode unfolds, she shares how a powerful spiritual experience led her to Christianity and completely transformed her outlook on purpose, pain, and identity. From discussions about addiction and mental health to faith, free will, and personal growth, this is one of Blaire's most vulnerable and honest conversations to date. If you've ever felt like an outsider, struggled with your past, or searched for meaning through hardship, this episode will resonate deeply.#thehopeaholics  #redemption #recovery #AlcoholAddiction #AddictionRecovery #wedorecover #SobrietyJourney #MyStory #Hope #wedorecover #treatmentcenter #natalieevamarieJoin our patreon to get access to an EXTRA EPISODE every week of ‘Off the Record', exclusive content, a thriving recovery community, and opportunities to be featured on the podcast. https://patreon.com/TheHopeaholics Go to www.Wolfpak.com today and support our sponsors. Don't forget to use code: HOPEAHOLICSPODCAST for 10% off!Follow the Hopeaholics on our Socials:https://www.instagram.com/thehopeaholics https://linktr.ee/thehopeaholicsBuy Merch: https://thehopeaholics.myshopify.comVisit our Treatment Centers: https://www.hopebythesea.comIf you or a loved one needs help, please call or text 949-615-8588. We have the resources to treat mental health and addiction. Sponsored by the Infiniti Group LLC:https://www.infinitigroupllc.com Timestamps:00:02:07 - Family Addiction History00:03:26 - Father's Opiate Addiction & Death00:05:40 - Growing Up in Corning, California00:08:55 - Growing Up Around a Cult00:10:53 - Brother's Drug Addiction & Jail History00:12:29 - Healing Relationship With Her Mother00:13:41 - Being Different as a Child00:17:30 - Learning Forgiveness00:22:01 - Being Controversial in the Trans Community00:25:17 - Transitioning at 20 Years Old00:27:07 - Coming Out to Her Family00:30:22 - Weed, Psychedelics & Self-Exploration00:32:16 - Following Jesus Instead of Religion00:39:27 - Beginning Her Spiritual Journey00:40:46 - Spiritual Experience That Changed Her Life

Kevin Lanning: A Google Executive's Addiction | The Hopeaholics Podcast (RE-RELEASE)In this powerful episode of the The Hopeaholics Podcast, we sit down with Kevin Lanning, a former Google executive who shares the raw and deeply personal story of his battle with addiction, the pressures that came with success, and the painful reality of trying to maintain a high-level career while struggling internally. Kevin opens up about how substance abuse slowly took control of his life despite his professional accomplishments, leading him to moments of desperation, legal trouble, broken relationships, and ultimately a rock-bottom experience that forced him to confront the path he was on. He speaks candidly about the wake-up calls that pushed him toward sobriety, the recovery meetings and support systems that helped him rebuild his life, and the difficult process of learning how to live without substances after years of dependence. Now years into recovery, Kevin has dedicated his life to helping others through his podcast, Rise Above with Kevin Lanning, where he shares honest conversations and inspiring stories from people who have overcome addiction, trauma, and mental health struggles. This episode is filled with hard-earned wisdom, vulnerability, hope, and proof that no matter how far someone falls, transformation and healing are still possible.#thehopeaholics  #redemption #recovery #AlcoholAddiction #AddictionRecovery #wedorecover #SobrietyJourney #MyStory #Hope #wedorecover #treatmentcenter #natalieevamarieJoin our patreon to get access to an EXTRA EPISODE every week of ‘Off the Record', exclusive content, a thriving recovery community, and opportunities to be featured on the podcast. https://patreon.com/TheHopeaholics Go to www.Wolfpak.com today and support our sponsors. Don't forget to use code: HOPEAHOLICSPODCAST for 10% off!Follow the Hopeaholics on our Socials:https://www.instagram.com/thehopeaholics https://linktr.ee/thehopeaholicsBuy Merch: https://thehopeaholics.myshopify.comVisit our Treatment Centers: https://www.hopebythesea.comIf you or a loved one needs help, please call or text 949-615-8588. We have the resources to treat mental health and addiction. Sponsored by the Infiniti Group LLC:https://www.infinitigroupllc.com Timestamps:00:10:57 — How Percocet Changed Everything00:13:51 — The Textbook Hustle Begins00:17:20 — Arrested for Grand Larceny00:18:54 — Taking a Job Interview While Handcuffed00:25:07 — “I Wish One of Those Bullets Hit Me”00:32:55 — Learning to Live Through Recovery Meetings00:34:02 — Feeling Accepted for the First Time00:35:11 — Relapsing After Surgery00:48:52 — A Weekend Bender in Miami00:49:18 — Intervention and Rock Bottom00:50:36 — Calling His Sponsor Instead of Using00:51:41 — Sitting in Starbucks Until the Craving Passed00:53:10 — Divorce, Fatherhood, and Humility00:57:03 — Leaving Google to Be a Dad First00:57:49 — Starting “Rise Above with Kevin Lanning”00:58:14 — Taking a Gamble on Himself in Sobriety01:00:10 — The Fear of Becoming a Fraud in Recovery01:03:02 — Using the Podcast to Help People Feel Less Alone

RE-RELEASED EPISODE: The Dark Side of Mob Wives w/ Renee Graziano | The Hopeaholics PodcastThis re-released episode of The Hopeaholics Podcast revisits a powerful and unforgettable conversation with Renee Graziano, known for her role on Mob Wives, as she opens up about her life journey with raw honesty and vulnerability while celebrating nine months of sobriety. Renee reflects on growing up in a prominent mob family, navigating life in the public eye, and the deep struggles she faced with addiction, offering a candid look into the challenges and consequences that shaped her path. She shares how she began rebuilding her life, the support system that helped guide her through recovery, and the mindset shifts that allowed her to move forward with purpose. Her story is one of resilience, transformation, and perseverance, serving as a reminder that recovery is possible at any stage of life. Revisiting this episode highlights the power of change, the importance of self-belief, and the reality that even after hardship, a life rooted in authenticity, hope, and growth is within reach. Her perspective sheds light on the emotional and mental battles that often go unseen behind addiction and recovery. This conversation continues to resonate, offering encouragement and real insight for anyone navigating their own journey toward sobriety.Follow us on all our social media platforms down belowINSTAGRAM : https://www.instagram.com/thehopeaholics/?igshid=Mzc1MmZhNjY%3DSPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/show/4diCrlmIyqrkE2e22mFgU1?si=2df7f5920f944098FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/thehopeaholicspodcast/TREATMENT : https://www.hopebythesea.comTIMESTAMPS:00:01:19 - Introduction and discussion of her impact from Mob Wives00:10:57 - Car crash, drugs, and legal consequences wake-up moment00:12:02 - Losing direction in life and struggling to find purpose after TV 00:13:41 - Realizing sobriety is the only way to show up for her family00:14:15 - Overdose in a restaurant and being brought back to life00:15:09 - Admitting she was slowly killing herself and hitting rock bottom00:21:53 - Setting boundaries with family and protecting her sobriety00:23:03 - Celebrating nine months sober and the reality of how hard it is00:24:14 - Shame, guilt, and the mental battle of addiction even years later00:26:18 - Faith, God, and navigating recovery through belief00:32:02 - Living in hope and finding purpose through helping others00:33:29 - Sharing trauma and creating a safe space for others to open up00:38:10 - Losing her father and spiraling into identity crisis00:39:53 - Childhood lessons that led to hiding pain and staying silent00:40:36 - How silence and trauma carried into abusive relationships00:47:37 - Power of vulnerability and finally sharing her story publicly00:50:21 - Sexual assault, accountability, and healing through honesty00:48:54 - Letting go of shame and owning her past01:00:52 - Future projects, podcast, and life after rebuilding

RE-RELEASED EPISODE: The Neverending Betrayals w/ Bam Margera & Dannii Marie | The Hopeaholics PodcastThis re-released episode of the Hopeaholics Podcast brings back one of the most talked-about and unforgettable conversations featuring Bam Margera and Dannii Marie, as Bam opens up in a raw and unfiltered way about addiction, betrayal, relationships, and the ongoing battle for sobriety while living in the public eye after his rise on Jackass. He shares what recovery has looked like for him, including the role of structure, routine, and rediscovering passions like skateboarding and fitness, while reflecting on the highs, lows, and pressures of rebuilding his life. The episode also dives into his complicated relationships with family and the Jackass crew, unpacking moments of conflict, loyalty, and pain that have shaped his journey, while Dannii Marie speaks on what it's like to support someone through addiction and public scrutiny and how their relationship has been tested through it all. Revisiting this episode offers a powerful reminder of how messy and non-linear recovery can be, capturing a moment in time that is emotional, controversial, and deeply human.#thehopeaholics #redemption #recovery #AlcoholAddiction #AddictionRecovery #wedorecover #SobrietyJourney #MyStory #Hope #wedorecover #treatmentcenter #natalieevamarieJoin our patreon to get access to an EXTRA EPISODE every week of ‘Off the Record', exclusive content, a thriving recovery community, and opportunities to be featured on the podcast. https://patreon.com/TheHopeaholics Go to www.Wolfpak.com today and support our sponsors. Don't forget to use code: HOPEAHOLICSPODCAST for 10% off!Follow the Hopeaholics on our Socials:https://www.instagram.com/thehopeaholics https://linktr.ee/thehopeaholicsBuy Merch: https://thehopeaholics.myshopify.comVisit our Treatment Centers: https://www.hopebythesea.comIf you or a loved one needs help, please call or text 949-615-8588. We have the resources to treat mental health and addiction. Sponsored by the Infiniti Group LLC:https://www.infinitigroupllc.com Timestamps:00:02:45 - Opening discussion on current life and relationship dynamic00:06:10 - Bam reflects on sobriety and recent life changes00:10:32 - Structure and routine in recovery00:15:08 - Physical transformation and getting back into skateboarding00:20:41 - Relationship challenges and public scrutiny00:26:15 - Trust, betrayal, and rebuilding relationships00:32:50 - Family dynamics and tension with parents00:40:12 - Jackass crew relationships and fallout00:48:27 - Media narratives vs reality of Bam's life00:55:03 - Dannii's perspective on supporting Bam through addiction01:02:18 - Communication and growth within their relationship01:10:44 - Setbacks, accountability, and staying sober01:18:29 - The pressure of fame during recovery01:27:05 - Rebuilding identity outside of addiction01:35:22 - Lessons learned from past mistakes01:45:10 - Moving forward with purpose and intention01:55:36 - Final thoughts on recovery, love, and second chances

A Relapse That Started in the Closet with Jessica Wood | The Hopeaholics Podcast In this episode of the Hopeaholics Podcast, Jessica Wood shares her deeply emotional and raw story of addiction, trauma, eating disorders, relapse, and recovery, opening up about growing up under intense pressure, experiencing abuse, and turning to alcohol, cocaine, and heroin at a young age to cope with pain and identity struggles. She talks about her journey through treatment, being prescribed Xanax, losing opportunities due to addiction, and navigating recovery while being a mother, as well as the challenges of working in the medical field while battling substance abuse. Jessica also shares the reality of long-term sobriety, including a near relapse after 13 years, the moment she returned to alcohol, and how she found her way back, offering a powerful perspective on grace, accountability, and resilience. This episode dives into the complexities of relapse, the importance of community, and the truth that recovery is not always linear, delivering an honest message that even after setbacks, healing and hope are still possible. She also reflects on the emotional triggers that can resurface even after years of sobriety and how quickly old patterns can return without vigilance. Her story highlights the importance of staying connected, asking for help, and continuing to grow no matter how far along you are in recovery.#thehopeaholics  #redemption #recovery #AlcoholAddiction #AddictionRecovery #wedorecover #SobrietyJourney #MyStory #Hope #wedorecover #treatmentcenter #natalieevamarieJoin our patreon to get access to an EXTRA EPISODE every week of ‘Off the Record', exclusive content, a thriving recovery community, and opportunities to be featured on the podcast. https://patreon.com/TheHopeaholics Go to www.Wolfpak.com today and support our sponsors. Don't forget to use code: HOPEAHOLICSPODCAST for 10% off!Follow the Hopeaholics on our Socials:https://www.instagram.com/thehopeaholics https://linktr.ee/thehopeaholicsBuy Merch: https://thehopeaholics.myshopify.comVisit our Treatment Centers: https://www.hopebythesea.comIf you or a loved one needs help, please call or text 949-615-8588. We have the resources to treat mental health and addiction. Sponsored by the Infiniti Group LLC:https://www.infinitigroupllc.com Timestamps:00:12:36 - Pressure from childhood and perfectionism leading to addiction00:13:20 - Sneaking out, partying young, and early drinking behavior00:14:04 - Trying to change identity by switching schools00:14:35 - Gravitation toward drugs and unhealthy relationships00:15:15 - First experiences with cocaine and heroin as a teenager00:46:51 - Eating disorder struggles and treatment experience00:47:44 - Prescribed Xanax and introduction to substance dependence00:48:42 - Getting kicked out of treatment due to lack of insurance00:49:25 - Selling prescriptions and abusing access in medical field00:50:52 - Party leads to cocaine and heroin use and losing her job00:51:34 - Entering treatment while caring for her son00:52:39 - First experience with AA and being offered drugs in parking lot01:42:24 - Nearly relapsing after 13 years sober and internal battle01:44:05 - Relapse moment and using alcohol to numb pain again01:59:48 - Message about relapse, acceptance, and continuing to come back02:01:02 - Impact of the podcast and recovery community changing lives

Robbing a Convenience Store To Fuel An Addiction with Corey Warren | The Hopeaholics PodcastIn this episode of the Hopeaholics Podcast, Corey Warren shares his powerful and deeply personal story of addiction, crime, alcohol abuse, and recovery, opening up about growing up around alcoholism, seeking validation through drugs and reckless behavior, and eventually spiraling into heroin, armed robbery, and severe alcohol addiction that nearly cost him his life. Corey talks about waking up drinking vodka, experiencing alcohol-induced seizures, facing prison time, and the moment he realized that the real problem wasn't the substances but the mindset and pain driving his behavior. He reflects on rehab, AA, faith, fatherhood, marriage, and building a new life centered on purpose, honesty, and helping others, while also discussing the pressures of social media, breaking generational cycles, and teaching his kids a different path. This episode is a raw and honest conversation about accountability, redemption, and the daily work required to stay sober, showing that no matter how far someone falls, recovery, faith, and hope can still rebuild a life.Check out his FREE Sobriety Masterclass here:https://www.coreywarren.com/#thehopeaholics  #redemption #recovery #AlcoholAddiction #AddictionRecovery #wedorecover #SobrietyJourney #MyStory #Hope #wedorecover #treatmentcenter #natalieevamarieJoin our patreon to get access to an EXTRA EPISODE every week of ‘Off the Record', exclusive content, a thriving recovery community, and opportunities to be featured on the podcast. https://patreon.com/TheHopeaholics Go to www.Wolfpak.com today and support our sponsors. Don't forget to use code: HOPEAHOLICSPODCAST for 10% off!Follow the Hopeaholics on our Socials:https://www.instagram.com/thehopeaholics https://linktr.ee/thehopeaholicsBuy Merch: https://thehopeaholics.myshopify.comVisit our Treatment Centers: https://www.hopebythesea.comIf you or a loved one needs help, please call or text 949-615-8588. We have the resources to treat mental health and addiction. Sponsored by the Infiniti Group LLC:https://www.infinitigroupllc.com Timestamps:00:02:00 - Family trip to California and being a father in recovery00:03:14 - Teaching kids about alcohol and breaking generational patterns00:09:39 - Corey Warren explains why he started social media00:12:13 - Social media pressure, marriage strain, and balancing family life00:15:20 - Purpose of the podcast and fentanyl awareness conversation00:19:46 - Corey Warren shares how he wanted to be on the Hopeaholics podcast00:25:48 - Childhood, family background, and father's alcoholism and lifestyle00:27:15 - First exposure to heroin in high school00:27:49 - Stealing checks from his father to buy drugs and seeking validation00:28:59 - Armed robbery to get drug money and running from police00:32:02 - Arrest, jail, and facing 15 to 30 years in prison00:34:33 - Addiction driven by validation and peer approval00:38:34 - College drinking culture and replacing heroin with alcohol00:40:23 - Drinking nearly two fifths of vodka a day at 2100:42:31 - Alcohol-induced seizure and waking up surrounded by EMTs00:43:50 - Leaving the hospital and returning to drinking00:44:25 - Father pushes him to go back to rehab00:45:02 - Therapist tells Corey that he is the problem, not drugs or alcohol00:46:17 - AA meetings, sponsor, and early recovery structure01:23:12 - Trusting God and finding purpose through pain closing message

A Life Built on Lies, Addiction, and Broken Trust with Tony Johnson | The Hopeaholics PodcastIn this episode of the Hopeaholics Podcast, Tony Johnson shares his raw and unfiltered story of addiction, manipulation, crime, prison, and recovery, opening up about growing up with childhood neglect in Seattle, getting shot, chasing money and power through drug dealing, and spiraling into Xanax, pills, and heroin. He speaks honestly about living a double life filled with lies, burning bridges, stacking felonies, losing relationships, and hitting rock bottom before his adopted mother's tough love and a life-changing Narcotics Anonymous meeting pushed him toward recovery. Tony also discusses accountability in behavioral health, the dangers of fentanyl, rebuilding trust, faith, and using his past to help others escape addiction, delivering a powerful message about responsibility, redemption, and choosing a new path when everything feels lost. Throughout the conversation, he reflects on the mindset that kept him trapped in addiction, the importance of honesty in recovery, and the daily discipline required to stay sober and grounded. This episode highlights the reality of consequences, the power of community, and the role of faith and purpose in long-term recovery.#thehopeaholics  #redemption #recovery #AlcoholAddiction #AddictionRecovery #wedorecover #SobrietyJourney #MyStory #Hope #wedorecover #treatmentcenter #natalieevamarieJoin our patreon to get access to an EXTRA EPISODE every week of ‘Off the Record', exclusive content, a thriving recovery community, and opportunities to be featured on the podcast. https://patreon.com/TheHopeaholics Go to www.Wolfpak.com today and support our sponsors. Don't forget to use code: HOPEAHOLICSPODCAST for 10% off!Follow the Hopeaholics on our Socials:https://www.instagram.com/thehopeaholics https://linktr.ee/thehopeaholicsBuy Merch: https://thehopeaholics.myshopify.comVisit our Treatment Centers: https://www.hopebythesea.comIf you or a loved one needs help, please call or text 949-615-8588. We have the resources to treat mental health and addiction. Sponsored by the Infiniti Group LLC:https://www.infinitigroupllc.com Timestamps:00:01:07 - Tony Johnson introduction and welcome to the podcast00:02:05 - Love language and words of affirmation discussion00:11:28 - Childhood neglect and first exposure to weed in Seattle00:21:50 - Getting shot and deciding to chase money and power00:22:25 - Trauma from drug dealing and discovering Xanax00:28:08 - Getting ran over and becoming addicted to pills and heroin00:29:14 - Felonies stacking up and going to prison00:31:01 - Marriage destruction, prison time, and Suboxone charges00:32:00 - Adopted mom's tough love and rock bottom realization00:54:19 - First Narcotics Anonymous meeting and feeling at home00:55:15 - Addiction mentality and making amends in recovery01:09:20 - Responsibility in behavioral health and fentanyl crisis message01:10:40 - Closing thoughts and sharing God's message

Arrested Before He Could Unalive Himself with Jaron Lyle | The Hopeaholics Podcast #324In this episode of the Hopeaholics Podcast, Jaron Lyle shares his powerful story of addiction, prison, suicide attempts, faith, loss, and redemption, opening up about growing up in Arlington, Texas, his struggles with drugs and alcohol, losing relationships, the death of his younger brother, and the moment his life began to change after hitting rock bottom. Jaron talks about his journey through Christian missionary work, prison, rehab, and recovery, the role his father's unconditional love played in saving his life, and how tattoos, fitness, social media, and personal growth became part of his healing process. He also discusses learning to date himself, finding purpose through pain, letting go of past relationships with gratitude, and using his voice to help others who are struggling, delivering a raw and honest message that recovery is possible, purpose can come from pain, and hope can be found even in the darkest moments. This conversation dives deep into mental health, accountability, and the daily discipline required to stay sober and emotionally grounded. Whether you are in recovery, supporting someone who is struggling, or simply looking for inspiration, this episode offers a real and unfiltered look at what it means to rebuild a life and choose hope every day.#TheHopeaholics #redemption #recovery #AlcoholAddiction #AddictionRecovery #wedorecover #SobrietyJourney #MyStory #Hope #wedorecover #treatmentcenter #natalieevamarieJoin our patreon to get access to an EXTRA EPISODE every week of ‘Off the Record', exclusive content, a thriving recovery community, and opportunities to be featured on the podcast. https://patreon.com/TheHopeaholics Go to www.Wolfpak.com today and support our sponsors. Don't forget to use code: HOPEAHOLICSPODCAST for 10% off!Follow the Hopeaholics on our Socials:https://www.instagram.com/thehopeaholics https://linktr.ee/thehopeaholicsBuy Merch: https://thehopeaholics.myshopify.comVisit our Treatment Centers: https://www.hopebythesea.comIf you or a loved one needs help, please call or text 949-615-8588. We have the resources to treat mental health and addiction. Sponsored by the Infiniti Group LLC:https://www.infinitigroupllc.com Timestamps:00:02:28 - Growing up in Arlington Texas and early life00:06:23 - Tattoo meaning and suicide attempts in 202400:08:24 - Arrest in driveway that stopped suicide attempt00:10:16 - Pastor's kid background and view of God and the universe00:17:31 - Father bailing him out and youngest brother's death00:22:15 - First exposure to drugs in high school00:25:13 - Christian missionary work and introduction to OxyContin00:26:20 - Prison, treatment, marriage, and recovery timeline00:36:40 - Five things he focuses on to maintain recovery00:39:11 - Dating himself and healing after relationship00:43:07 - Two healed people in relationships and happiness vs joy00:56:21 - Relationship separation and choosing personal growth00:59:13 - Losing her as the catalyst for change and gratitude01:05:41 - Final message about sharing pain and leading others out of darkness

9 Years of Heroin and Meth Addiction with Ashley Moore | The Hopeaholics PodcastIn this emotional episode of the Hopeaholics Podcast, Ashley Moore shares her powerful story of trauma, addiction, motherhood, and recovery. Growing up with deep emotional pain and the loss of her father at a young age, Ashley struggled to cope and began searching for validation and escape, eventually leading to cocaine, heroin, meth, and a nine-year cycle of addiction and treatment. She opens up about the devastating impact addiction had on her life, including losing custody of her son, overdosing on fentanyl on her 35th birthday, and facing the overwhelming shame and consequences of her choices. Through honest reflection, Ashley talks about the pain of watching addiction affect her role as a mother and the moment she realized something had to change. Her journey highlights the power of community, humility, forgiveness, and doing the hard inner work required to rebuild a life in recovery. Today, Ashley focuses on healing through breathwork, emotional regulation, and helping others find hope in their darkest moments. This conversation is a raw and inspiring reminder that no matter how far someone falls, recovery, purpose, and healing are always possible. The hosts also dive into the importance of accountability, support systems, and creating a new identity in sobriety. If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, this episode offers hope, honesty, and a message that lasting change can happen.#thehopeaholics  #redemption #recovery #AlcoholAddiction #AddictionRecovery #wedorecover #SobrietyJourney #MyStory #Hope #wedorecover #treatmentcenter #natalieevamarieJoin our patreon to get access to an EXTRA EPISODE every week of ‘Off the Record', exclusive content, a thriving recovery community, and opportunities to be featured on the podcast. https://patreon.com/TheHopeaholics Go to www.Wolfpak.com today and support our sponsors. Don't forget to use code: HOPEAHOLICSPODCAST for 10% off!Follow the Hopeaholics on our Socials:https://www.instagram.com/thehopeaholics https://linktr.ee/thehopeaholicsBuy Merch: https://thehopeaholics.myshopify.comVisit our Treatment Centers: https://www.hopebythesea.comIf you or a loved one needs help, please call or text 949-615-8588. We have the resources to treat mental health and addiction. Sponsored by the Infiniti Group LLC:https://www.infinitigroupllc.com Timestamps:00:10:49 - Dad's Death and Family Support System00:11:59 - Wilderness Program and Childhood Trauma00:13:00 - Suppressing Emotions and Seeking External Validation00:18:33 - Behavior Modification School and Best Friend's Death00:20:03 - “Comeback Ashley Moore Club” and Feeling Loved00:22:18 - First Love, Cocaine at 18, and Heroin Addiction Begins00:23:05 - 9-Year Heroin, Meth, and Rehab Cycle00:37:28 - Addiction Affecting Motherhood and Taking Son to School Late00:38:33 - Fentanyl Overdose on 35th Birthday00:39:23 - Friends Confront Her During Meth and Fentanyl Use00:40:02 - Losing Custody and Neighbors Witnessing Addiction00:40:24 - Getting Sober Again and Facing Shame and Fear00:52:35 - Hopelessness, Humility, and Forgiveness in Recovery00:57:02 - Legal System, Sentencing, and Recovery Statistics00:58:48 - Healing, Breathwork, and Regulating Internal State

Facing 13 Years in Prison Over Meth and Cocaine with Joe Taback | The Hopeaholics PodcastIn this intense episode of the Hopeaholics Podcast, Joe Taback shares his powerful story of addiction, crime, prison, and ultimate redemption. Growing up in Orange County as the oldest of six kids, Joe was surrounded by chaos early on, including a brother serving life in prison, which shaped his outlook on life and choices. His addiction to cocaine and meth spiraled into a dangerous lifestyle involving stolen cars, guns, and running from the law, eventually leading to an arrest that could have put him behind bars for 13 years. Joe opens up about the moment he found himself praying in the back of a cop car for one last chance and how that turning point became the beginning of real change. After fighting his sentence down to three years and staying committed to recovery in prison, he rebuilt his life through faith, accountability, and service to others. Today, Joe works in the recovery space and helps people heal through programs like Rock to Recovery, using his past to inspire hope and transformation. This conversation dives deep into the realities of addiction, the consequences of destructive choices, and the power of second chances. It's a raw and honest reminder that even in the darkest moments, redemption and purpose are still possible.#thehopeaholics  #redemption #recovery #AlcoholAddiction #AddictionRecovery #wedorecover #SobrietyJourney #MyStory #Hope #wedorecover #treatmentcenter #natalieevamarieJoin our patreon to get access to an EXTRA EPISODE every week of ‘Off the Record', exclusive content, a thriving recovery community, and opportunities to be featured on the podcast. https://patreon.com/TheHopeaholics Go to www.Wolfpak.com today and support our sponsors. Don't forget to use code: HOPEAHOLICSPODCAST for 10% off!Follow the Hopeaholics on our Socials:https://www.instagram.com/thehopeaholics https://linktr.ee/thehopeaholicsBuy Merch: https://thehopeaholics.myshopify.comVisit our Treatment Centers: https://www.hopebythesea.comIf you or a loved one needs help, please call or text 949-615-8588. We have the resources to treat mental health and addiction. Sponsored by the Infiniti Group LLC:https://www.infinitigroupllc.com Timestamps:00:01:12 - Driving in From Garden Grove and Orange County Background00:06:05 - Family Background and Being the Oldest of Six Kids00:07:22 - Brother Doing Life in Prison for Murder00:29:49 - Treatment Industry and Putting Clients Before Money00:33:09 - Relapse and Getting Sober at 2600:34:41 - AA Panels in Prison and Early Exposure to Recovery00:36:23 - Absconding From Parole and Desperation for Help00:37:25 - Praying in the Back of a Cop Car for One Chance00:38:17 - Clean Drug Test Miracle and 30 Meetings in 30 Days00:41:18 - Kids and Relationship Leading Back to Cocaine and Meth00:42:17 - Red Roof Inn, Stolen Cars, Guns, and Rock Bottom00:43:20 - Task Force Kicks in Door and Arrest Becomes Clean Date00:43:44 - Fighting 13-Year Sentence Down to 3 Years00:44:05 - Staying Clean in Prison and Program Autopilot After Release00:49:19 - Helping a Friend in Deep Addiction and Psychosis00:51:22 - Friend Gets 6 Years Clean and Thrives in Recovery00:52:15 - Life Today and Working With Rock to Recovery Through Music

Trapped in Addiction With No Way Out w/ Natalie Miotti | The Hopeaholics PodcastIn this powerful episode of the Hopeaholics Podcast, Natalie Miotti shares her raw and emotional journey through addiction, loss, and recovery. Growing up in Ojai, California, Natalie opens up about how her substance use escalated from partying in college to a dangerous cycle involving heroin and meth, leading to blackouts, toxic relationships, and a life she could no longer control. She speaks candidly about the devastating loss of her brother to a fentanyl overdose and how that tragedy deeply impacted her path. Despite multiple relapses and hitting rock bottom, Natalie found the strength to pursue recovery and rebuild her life with purpose. This conversation dives into the harsh realities of addiction, the grip it can have on young people, and the resilience it takes to break free. Her story is a reminder that even in the darkest moments, there is still a way out and a reason to keep going. The hosts reflect on the importance of community, honesty, and accountability in long-term sobriety. If you or someone you love is struggling, this episode offers hope, perspective, and proof that recovery is possible.#thehopeaholics #redemption #recovery #AlcoholAddiction #AddictionRecovery #wedorecover #SobrietyJourney #MyStory #Hope #wedorecover #treatmentcenter #natalieevamarieJoin our patreon to get access to an EXTRA EPISODE every week of ‘Off the Record', exclusive content, a thriving recovery community, and opportunities to be featured on the podcast. https://patreon.com/TheHopeaholics Go to www.Wolfpak.com today and support our sponsors. Don't forget to use code: HOPEAHOLICSPODCAST for 10% off!Follow the Hopeaholics on our Socials:https://www.instagram.com/thehopeaholics https://linktr.ee/thehopeaholicsBuy Merch: https://thehopeaholics.myshopify.comVisit our Treatment Centers: https://www.hopebythesea.comIf you or a loved one needs help, please call or text 949-615-8588. We have the resources to treat mental health and addiction. Sponsored by the Infiniti Group LLC:https://www.infinitigroupllc.com Timestamps:00:01:28 - Growing Up in Ojai, California00:02:06 - Brother's Fentanyl Overdose00:08:25 - Going to University of San Francisco00:09:14 - Brother Sees How Bad Addiction Got00:10:18 - Addiction Gets Worse After Community College00:12:26 - Heavy Drug Use and Blackouts00:12:54 - Accidentally Coming Out on April Fool's Day00:13:32 - Using Heroin Again With Friends00:14:21 - Family Intervenes and Suggests Treatment00:32:39 - Leaving Treatment and Relapsing Into Toxic Relationship00:34:06 - Escalation Into Meth and Heroin00:34:59 - Criminal Activity and Dangerous Lifestyle01:07:16 - Reflection on Addiction and Recovery01:08:43 - Finding Faith and Purpose01:09:11 - Loss That Inspired the Podcast Mission01:10:32 - Purpose of Sharing Recovery Stories

Getting 3 DUI's Before 18 with Laisha Martinez | The Hopeaholics PodcastIn this powerful episode of the Hopeaholics Podcast, we sit down with Laisha Martinez to share her raw and inspiring story of addiction, recovery, and redemption. Laisha opens up about growing up in North Carolina, starting substance use at a young age, and quickly spiraling into a dangerous cycle of Xanax and alcohol abuse that led to multiple DUIs and life-threatening situations. After hitting rock bottom at just 18 years old, she made the life-changing decision to enter treatment in Malibu, where she began rebuilding her life through recovery, the 12 steps, and deep personal growth. Now over four years sober, Laisha uses her voice and her podcast, Fck the Stigma*, to help break the stigma around addiction and mental health while inspiring others that recovery is possible at any age. This conversation dives into the realities of addiction, the power of community and spirituality in recovery, and how healing can turn even the darkest chapters into a purpose-driven life. She also shares the painful loss of a close friend and how that experience strengthened her commitment to staying sober and helping others. The hosts reflect on their own recovery journeys, discussing the daily work it takes to maintain sobriety and personal growth. If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, this episode is a reminder that change is possible and that no one has to face recovery alone.Check out F#CK THE STIGMA here: https://www.youtube.com/@fthestigma#thehopeaholics  #redemption #recovery #AlcoholAddiction #AddictionRecovery #wedorecover #SobrietyJourney #MyStory #Hope #wedorecover #treatmentcenter #natalieevamarieJoin our patreon to get access to an EXTRA EPISODE every week of ‘Off the Record', exclusive content, a thriving recovery community, and opportunities to be featured on the podcast. https://patreon.com/TheHopeaholics Go to www.Wolfpak.com today and support our sponsors. Don't forget to use code: HOPEAHOLICSPODCAST for 10% off!Follow the Hopeaholics on our Socials:https://www.instagram.com/thehopeaholics https://linktr.ee/thehopeaholicsBuy Merch: https://thehopeaholics.myshopify.comVisit our Treatment Centers: https://www.hopebythesea.comIf you or a loved one needs help, please call or text 949-615-8588. We have the resources to treat mental health and addiction. Sponsored by the Infiniti Group LLC:https://www.infinitigroupllc.com Timestamps:00:02:06 - Starting the Fuck the Stigma Podcast00:02:32 - Getting Sober in Malibu and Moving Back to LA00:04:02 - Growing Up in North Carolina00:05:30 - First Time Trying Weed at 1400:09:15 - First Time Drinking and Blacking Out00:11:58 - First Time Trying Xanax00:13:15 - Falling in Love With Blacking Out00:18:09 - First DUI at 1700:20:13 - Second DUI and Escalating Addiction00:23:11 - Third DUI and Hitting Rock Bottom00:26:09 - Being Told to Go to Treatment00:27:44 - Arriving at Rehab in Malibu00:28:36 - Realizing She Might Be an Alcoholic00:30:21 - Getting a Sponsor and Entering Sober Living00:32:17 - Codependency and Drug Use With Best Friend00:32:43 - Finding Out Her Best Friend Died00:35:44 - Learning to Rely on God in Sobriety00:37:09 - Reaching Four and a Half Years Sober00:47:02 - Handling Problems in Sobriety Without Using

Healing through BRAIN SPOTTING with Sonia Guilfoos | The Hopeaholics Podcast #319In this episode of the Hopeaholics Podcast, we sit down with Sonia Guilfoos to talk about her powerful story of addiction, trauma, faith, and recovery. Sonia opens up about one of the darkest moments of her life, when she found herself alone in a hotel room deep in addiction and questioning whether she even wanted to keep living. She shares the turning point that changed everything, the unexpected moment that gave her hope, and how faith ultimately played a major role in helping her rebuild her life. We also dive into deeper conversations about PTSD, healing from trauma, and the importance of taking responsibility in recovery. Sonia also explains the work she does today helping others heal through mental health and trauma-focused therapy. This episode is a raw and honest conversation about hitting rock bottom, finding purpose again, and learning how to truly heal. We talk about how addiction and trauma can shape the way people see themselves and the world around them. Sonia shares powerful insight into the healing process and what it takes to move forward after years of pain. Her story is a reminder that even in the darkest moments, there is always a path toward hope and recovery.#thehopeaholics  #redemption #recovery #AlcoholAddiction #AddictionRecovery #wedorecover #SobrietyJourney #MyStory #Hope #wedorecover #treatmentcenter #natalieevamarieJoin our patreon to get access to an EXTRA EPISODE every week of ‘Off the Record', exclusive content, a thriving recovery community, and opportunities to be featured on the podcast. https://patreon.com/TheHopeaholics Go to www.Wolfpak.com today and support our sponsors. Don't forget to use code: HOPEAHOLICSPODCAST for 10% off!Follow the Hopeaholics on our Socials:https://www.instagram.com/thehopeaholics https://linktr.ee/thehopeaholicsBuy Merch: https://thehopeaholics.myshopify.comVisit our Treatment Centers: https://www.hopebythesea.comIf you or a loved one needs help, please call or text 949-615-8588. We have the resources to treat mental health and addiction. Sponsored by the Infiniti Group LLC:https://www.infinitigroupllc.com Timestamps:00:22:41 - Untreated PTSD and Self-Destructive Behavior During Addiction00:23:10 - Getting High Alone and Preparing for a Possible Overdose00:23:42 - The Toxic Relationship That Later Became Her Marriage00:24:12 - Looking in the Mirror and Not Recognizing Herself00:24:34 - Feeling Shame and Losing Her Identity00:25:13 - Finding the Gideon Bible in the Hotel Room00:26:17 - Waking Up the Next Morning With Unexpected Peace00:26:41 - A Stranger's Smile That Gave Her Hope00:27:03 - The Night She Believes God Saved Her Life00:27:27 - Driving Back to Pomona Ready to Ask for Help00:27:48 - Realizing She Had to Humble Herself and Go Back to Her Mom's00:28:10 - Hearing Pastor Greg Laurie on the Radio00:29:10 - Studying the Bible Alone Instead of Going to Rehab00:29:33 - Finding Out She Was Pregnant Three Months Later00:30:05 - Staying Away From Meth but Continuing to Drink01:02:52 - How Drugs and Addiction Have Changed Over the Years01:03:58 - What Brainspotting Therapy Is01:04:21 - How Brainspotting Helps People Heal Trauma01:04:50 - Why the Body and Brain Naturally Know How to Heal01:18:23 - Wrapping Up the Conversation With Sonia01:18:36 - Sonia Shares Where People Can Find Her Podcasts and Work

"I CALLED EVERY REHAB IN LA AND THEY HUNG UP ON ME" with Keta Loren | The Hopeaholics PodcastIn this episode, we sit down with Keta Loren to talk about her powerful journey through addiction, survival, and rebuilding her life with purpose. Keta opens up about leaving home, finding herself in dangerous situations, and eventually falling into meth and heroin addiction while trying to figure out where she belonged. She shares the difficult road that led her to finally ask for help, the challenges she faced trying to get into treatment without insurance, and the moment that ultimately changed everything. We also dive into conversations about recovery, relapse, personal growth, and the mindset it takes to keep moving forward. Keta's story is raw, honest, and inspiring for anyone who has struggled, felt stuck, or is searching for hope. We talk about the importance of believing in yourself even when life feels impossible, and how recovery can open the door to an entirely new life. Keta also shares how she's using her voice, her music, and her platform to help others feel less alone in their struggles. This episode is a reminder that no matter how dark things get, change and healing are always possible.#thehopeaholics  #redemption #recovery #AlcoholAddiction #AddictionRecovery #wedorecover #SobrietyJourney #MyStory #Hope #wedorecover #treatmentcenter #natalieevamarieJoin our patreon to get access to an EXTRA EPISODE every week of ‘Off the Record', exclusive content, a thriving recovery community, and opportunities to be featured on the podcast. https://patreon.com/TheHopeaholics Go to www.Wolfpak.com today and support our sponsors. Don't forget to use code: HOPEAHOLICSPODCAST for 10% off!Follow the Hopeaholics on our Socials:https://www.instagram.com/thehopeaholics https://linktr.ee/thehopeaholicsBuy Merch: https://thehopeaholics.myshopify.comVisit our Treatment Centers: https://www.hopebythesea.comIf you or a loved one needs help, please call or text 949-615-8588. We have the resources to treat mental health and addiction. Sponsored by the Infiniti Group LLC:https://www.infinitigroupllc.com Timestamps:00:19:47 - Escaping a Dangerous Situation and Taking a Greyhound to LA00:20:08 - Falling Into Addiction in Los Angeles00:20:35 - Realizing She Needed Rehab00:21:19 - Calling Every Treatment Center Without Insurance00:21:32 - The Rehab Scholarship That Changed Everything00:50:13 - Learning to Stop Being Self-Consumed00:51:16 - Leaving Her Hometown to Chase a Better Life01:01:04 - Relapse, Shame, and the “Walk of Shame” in Recovery01:02:19 - Surviving a Relapse That Almost Killed Him01:05:29 - Accepting Help Instead of Trying to Be Superhuman01:06:02 - Trusting Doctors and the Medical System in Recovery01:21:06 - Talking About Friends and the Industry01:23:32 - The Reality of People in the Adult Industry01:24:20 - Believing You Can Make Money Anywhere01:24:36 - Where to Find Keta Loren Online

Destroying My Life Until God Stepped In with Britt Gusmus | The Hopeaholics PodcastIn this episode of the Hopeaholics Podcast, we sit down with Britt Gusmus to talk about his journey through addiction, recovery, and finding purpose through faith. Britt shares powerful stories from his past, the challenges he faced along the way, and how his relationship with God helped transform his life. The conversation also dives into his passion for coaching, leadership, and helping others discover hope and direction in their own recovery. This episode is full of honest moments, encouragement, and real talk about what it takes to rebuild your life and keep moving forward. We also talk about the importance of accountability, surrounding yourself with the right people, and staying committed to personal growth. Britt opens up about the lessons he learned through adversity and how those experiences shaped the man he is today. His perspective on discipline, mindset, and faith brings a powerful message for anyone trying to change their life. Whether you're in recovery or simply looking for inspiration, this conversation is packed with wisdom and hope.#thehopeaholics   #redemption #recovery #AlcoholAddiction #AddictionRecovery #wedorecover #SobrietyJourney #MyStory #Hope #wedorecover #treatmentcenter #natalieevamarieJoin our patreon to get access to an EXTRA EPISODE every week of ‘Off the Record', exclusive content, a thriving recovery community, and opportunities to be featured on the podcast. https://patreon.com/TheHopeaholics Go to www.Wolfpak.com today and support our sponsors. Don't forget to use code: HOPEAHOLICSPODCAST for 10% off!Follow the Hopeaholics on our Socials:https://www.instagram.com/thehopeaholics https://linktr.ee/thehopeaholicsBuy Merch: https://thehopeaholics.myshopify.comVisit our Treatment Centers: https://www.hopebythesea.comIf you or a loved one needs help, please call or text 949-615-8588. We have the resources to treat mental health and addiction. Sponsored by the Infiniti Group LLC:https://www.infinitigroupllc.com Timestamps:00:02:45 - Quarterback And Coaching Background00:03:21 - Born In Memphis And Raised In Denver00:04:03 - Cherry Creek High School Winning Culture00:04:22 - Drafted By The Houston Astros00:05:31 - Reputation Ruining Baseball Opportunities00:06:19 - Performing For Approval00:07:05 - Mickey Mantle Persona And Party Lifestyle00:07:58 - Identity Crisis After Baseball00:09:43 - Jekyll And Hyde Addiction00:11:08 - Addiction Escalates To Meth And Drug Houses00:12:35 - Recovery Becoming The Foundation Of Life00:13:11 - The Do-Or-Die Moment At Age 3100:14:02 - Labor Day Weekend Collapse And Moment Of Clarity00:15:09 - First AA Meeting With Ninth Grade Teacher00:16:24 - Returning Two Years Later Ready For Recovery00:17:10 - Marijuana Maintenance Period00:17:31 - Final Sobriety Date (9-19-2005)00:18:10 - Core Themes Of His Addiction00:19:50 - Starting Life Over In Recovery00:21:02 - Becoming A Man Through Recovery00:22:05 - Finding Fellowship Through Recovery Softball00:23:14 - Learning To Surrender Instead Of Compete00:24:08 - Being Fully Seen By The Recovery Community00:26:31 - Engagement And Recovery Softball MVP Moment00:27:26 - From Drunkest Guy At The Party To Recovery Leader

Tackled by 6 Cops During Meth Psychosis with Marley May | The Hopeaholics PodcastOn this episode of the Hopeaholics Podcast, Marley May shares her powerful story of growing up around addiction, losing her father to suicide at 13, and spiraling into substance abuse as a teenager—including drinking at 14, using cocaine and meth with family members, and experiencing full-blown psychosis. She opens up about trauma, toxic environments, hitting emotional bottoms, and the moment she finally chose sobriety at 21. Now married, a mother, and active in recovery, Marley talks about young people in sobriety, finding fellowship, overcoming shame, and building a life she never thought was possible. This is a raw, honest conversation about generational addiction, accountability, faith, service, and the daily work it takes to stay sober and break the cycle. Marley also reflects on blaming others for her addiction, learning to take responsibility through the steps, and how recovery transformed her relationships. She shares what it's like navigating sobriety as a young mom and why community became her saving grace. If you've ever struggled with feeling like the “odd one out,” battled self-doubt, or questioned whether real change is possible, this episode will remind you that no one is too far gone for a new beginning.#thehopeaholics  #redemption #recovery #AlcoholAddiction #AddictionRecovery #wedorecover #SobrietyJourney #MyStory #Hope #wedorecover #treatmentcenter #natalieevamarieJoin our patreon to get access to an EXTRA EPISODE every week of ‘Off the Record', exclusive content, a thriving recovery community, and opportunities to be featured on the podcast. https://patreon.com/TheHopeaholics Go to www.Wolfpak.com today and support our sponsors. Don't forget to use code: HOPEAHOLICSPODCAST for 10% off!Follow the Hopeaholics on our Socials:https://www.instagram.com/thehopeaholics https://linktr.ee/thehopeaholicsBuy Merch: https://thehopeaholics.myshopify.comVisit our Treatment Centers: https://www.hopebythesea.comIf you or a loved one needs help, please call or text 949-615-8588. We have the resources to treat mental health and addiction. Sponsored by the Infiniti Group LLC:https://www.infinitigroupllc.com Timestamps:02:13 - Quick Marriage & Husband's Early Sobriety03:19 - Nine Months Pregnant Wedding04:24 - Dad's Addiction & Suicide at 1305:30 - Feeling Like the “Odd Man Out”08:42 - Growing Up in Pomona, Upland & San Clemente09:24 - Abusive Stepdad & Chaotic Home Life11:02 - First Time Drinking at 1411:58 - Doing Coke with Stepdad12:04 - Doing Meth with Mom12:39 - Meth Psychosis & Tackled by Cops13:31 - Moment of Clarity & Reaching Out for Help14:36 - Moving in with Grandma & In-Person Meetings16:12 - Getting Sober at 2118:24 - Young People's Meeting That Changed Everything19:54 - Excited After First Fellowship Night24:59 - Gratitude for Recovery & Service26:10 - Reflecting on Using with Her Mom27:24 - Addictive Traits Since Childhood29:00 - Dry Drunk Phase & Reworking the Steps

Showing Up to AA Completely Drunk with Ryan Kennedy | The Hopeaholics PodcastIn this powerful episode, Ryan Kennedy opens up about his raw journey from the depths of addiction to 16 months of hard-earned sobriety. From hitting true rock bottom—complete with a brutal fall down concrete stairs after a seizure, hiding wine bags under his bed during relapses, terrifying cocaine-induced psychosis where he believed his family was hiding in the house for a week, and the heartbreaking loss of his sister to a fentanyl overdose—to finding hope through rehab, AA meetings, daily acts of service like driving his 90-year-old AA buddy, and even launching his own podcast "Rock Bottom with Ryan," this conversation is packed with honest, relatable stories of struggle, relapse realities ("every relapse is worse than the last"), hallucinations (Drake's "Started From the Bottom" looping endlessly on a 30-day bender), and ultimate redemption. Ryan shares how a nun from his childhood school prayed over him in the hospital, how his mom got sober alongside him and now they chair meetings together, and why rehab ultimately saved his life. If you're battling addiction, supporting a loved one, or just need inspiration that rock bottom can lead to real change, this episode is a must-watch. Tune in for unfiltered hope, humor, and proof that recovery is possible—no matter how low things get.#thehopeaholics  #redemption #recovery #AlcoholAddiction #AddictionRecovery #wedorecover #SobrietyJourney #MyStory #Hope #wedorecover #treatmentcenter #natalieevamarieJoin our patreon to get access to an EXTRA EPISODE every week of ‘Off the Record', exclusive content, a thriving recovery community, and opportunities to be featured on the podcast. https://patreon.com/TheHopeaholics Go to www.Wolfpak.com today and support our sponsors. Don't forget to use code: HOPEAHOLICSPODCAST for 10% off!Follow the Hopeaholics on our Socials:https://www.instagram.com/thehopeaholics https://linktr.ee/thehopeaholicsBuy Merch: https://thehopeaholics.myshopify.comVisit our Treatment Centers: https://www.hopebythesea.comIf you or a loved one needs help, please call or text 949-615-8588. We have the resources to treat mental health and addiction. Sponsored by the Infiniti Group LLC:https://www.infinitigroupllc.com Timestamps:00:05:51 - Full Psychosis: Thought His Entire Family Was Hiding in the House for a Week00:06:54 - Showing Up to AA Completely Plastered – Ryan's Wild First Meeting00:08:06 - Heartbreak: Ryan Loses His Best Friend (Sister) to Fentanyl00:09:36 - Last Relapse Low: Hiding Wine Bags Under the Bed00:11:30 - How "Rock Bottom with Ryan" Podcast Was Born on a Road Trip00:13:51 - 16 Months Sober and Counting – Ryan's Current Victory Lap00:14:16 - The Fall That Changed Everything: Seizure, Concrete Stairs, Face Destroyed00:15:15 - Nun from Childhood School Prays Over Ryan in Hospital Bed00:16:11 - "Rehab Saved My Life" – Ryan's Defining Hospital Moment00:25:28 - Daily Rides for a 90-Year-Old AA Buddy – Ryan's Favorite Act of Service00:31:40 - Shadow People Horror: Ryan's Terrifying Cocaine Psychosis00:46:35 - Mom & Son Both Sober – Now They Chair Meetings Together01:04:23 - Harsh Reality: "Every Relapse Is Worse Than the Last"01:09:13 - Drake's "Started From the Bottom" on Repeat During 30-Day Bender Nightmare

Chris Van Vliet: Stop Doing This If You Want to Succeed | The Hopeaholics PodcastIn this episode of the The Hopeaholics Podcast, we sit down with Chris Van Vliet to talk about the mindset, discipline, and persistence it takes to build a successful career in media and content creation. Chris shares his journey from getting started in broadcasting to landing major opportunities, navigating career setbacks, and ultimately creating one of the most recognized interview platforms in his space. The conversation dives into confidence on camera, personal branding, consistency, taking professional risks, and the habits that separate people who succeed from those who quit. Whether you're a creator, entrepreneur, or someone chasing a big goal, this episode is packed with practical insights, motivation, and real-world lessons on resilience, growth, and defining success on your own terms.Check out Chris Van Vliet's Episode with Natalie:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P6mq0W7yAVA#thehopeaholics  #redemption #recovery #AlcoholAddiction #AddictionRecovery #wedorecover #SobrietyJourney #MyStory #Hope #wedorecover #treatmentcenter #natalieevamarieJoin our patreon to get access to an EXTRA EPISODE every week of ‘Off the Record', exclusive content, a thriving recovery community, and opportunities to be featured on the podcast. https://patreon.com/TheHopeaholics Go to www.Wolfpak.com today and support our sponsors. Don't forget to use code: HOPEAHOLICSPODCAST for 10% off!Follow the Hopeaholics on our Socials:https://www.instagram.com/thehopeaholics https://linktr.ee/thehopeaholicsBuy Merch: https://thehopeaholics.myshopify.comVisit our Treatment Centers: https://www.hopebythesea.comIf you or a loved one needs help, please call or text 949-615-8588. We have the resources to treat mental health and addiction. Sponsored by the Infiniti Group LLC:https://www.infinitigroupllc.com Timestamps:00:01:42 — Getting Started in Broadcasting00:05:18 — The First Big Career Break00:09:47 — Learning Confidence on Camera00:14:03 — Moving Cities for Opportunity00:18:29 — Early Career Struggles00:23:11 — Interviewing Celebrities for the First Time00:28:56 — Building a Personal Brand00:34:40 — Taking Risks Professionally00:40:12 — Mindset and Self-Improvement00:47:05 — Transitioning Into Podcasting00:53:27 — Consistency and Discipline01:00:44 — Career Setbacks and Resilience01:08:19 — Advice for Content Creators01:15:33 — Defining Success Personally01:23:58 — Gratitude and Perspective

1 Billion Hugs with Reed Byers | The Hopeaholics PodcastIn this powerful episode of the The Hopeaholics Podcast, we sit down with Reed Byers to share his raw and inspiring journey through addiction, consequences, recovery, and purpose. Reed opens up about how substance use gradually took control of his life, the painful turning points that forced him to confront reality, and the mindset shifts that helped him rebuild from the ground up. He talks honestly about accountability, faith, repairing relationships, and the difficult process of learning how to live again without substances. One of the most moving parts of the conversation is his mission behind “1 Billion Hugs,” a reminder of the power of human connection, compassion, and showing people they are not alone in their struggles. This episode is filled with hope, hard truths, and practical encouragement for anyone battling addiction or loving someone who is, proving that no matter how far someone falls, purpose and healing are still possible.Check out the 1 Billion Hugs Mission: https://www.1billionhugs.com#thehopeaholics  #redemption #recovery #AlcoholAddiction #AddictionRecovery #wedorecover #SobrietyJourney #MyStory #Hope #wedorecover #treatmentcenter #natalieevamarieJoin our patreon to get access to an EXTRA EPISODE every week of ‘Off the Record', exclusive content, a thriving recovery community, and opportunities to be featured on the podcast. https://patreon.com/TheHopeaholics Go to www.Wolfpak.com today and support our sponsors. Don't forget to use code: HOPEAHOLICSPODCAST for 10% off!Follow the Hopeaholics on our Socials:https://www.instagram.com/thehopeaholics https://linktr.ee/thehopeaholicsBuy Merch: https://thehopeaholics.myshopify.comVisit our Treatment Centers: https://www.hopebythesea.comIf you or a loved one needs help, please call or text 949-615-8588. We have the resources to treat mental health and addiction. Sponsored by the Infiniti Group LLC:https://www.infinitigroupllc.com Timestamps:00:02:11 — Early Life and Background00:06:48 — First Exposure to Addiction00:11:35 — Escalation Into Substance Use00:18:02 — Consequences and Legal Trouble00:24:19 — Hitting a Personal Low Point00:31:07 — The Turning Point Decision00:38:44 — Entering Recovery00:46:10 — Struggles in Early Sobriety00:52:58 — Faith and Perspective Shift01:00:26 — Rebuilding Relationships01:08:13 — Lessons Learned Through Recovery01:15:47 — Accountability and Ownership01:22:05 — Helping Others Find Recovery01:27:54 — The “1 Billion Hugs” Mission01:30:41 — Purpose After Addiction01:38:59 — Message of Hope

What It Really Takes to Get Clean and Stay Clean w/ David Gates | The Hopeaholics Podcast In this powerful episode of the The Hopeaholics Podcast, we sit down with David Gates to talk about addiction, recovery, faith, and the realities families face when a loved one is struggling. David shares his personal journey through loss, survival, and transformation, opening up about the friends he's lost, the moments that forced him to change direction, and the purpose he found in helping others escape the cycle of addiction. The conversation dives into the emotional toll on parents living in constant fear, the difficult balance between tough love and support, and the importance of having trusted people in your life who can speak truth when you need it most. Through raw honesty and hard-earned wisdom, this episode offers hope to anyone battling addiction or loving someone who is — reminding listeners that recovery is possible, purpose can be rebuilt, and no story is ever truly over.#thehopeaholics #redemption #recovery #AlcoholAddiction #AddictionRecovery #wedorecover #SobrietyJourney #MyStory #Hope #wedorecover #treatmentcenter #natalieevamarieJoin our patreon to get access to an EXTRA EPISODE every week of ‘Off the Record', exclusive content, a thriving recovery community, and opportunities to be featured on the podcast. https://patreon.com/TheHopeaholics Go to www.Wolfpak.com today and support our sponsors. Don't forget to use code: HOPEAHOLICSPODCAST for 10% off!Follow the Hopeaholics on our Socials:https://www.instagram.com/thehopeaholics https://linktr.ee/thehopeaholicsBuy Merch: https://thehopeaholics.myshopify.comVisit our Treatment Centers: https://www.hopebythesea.comIf you or a loved one needs help, please call or text 949-615-8588. We have the resources to treat mental health and addiction. Sponsored by the Infiniti Group LLC:https://www.infinitigroupllc.com Timestamps:00:04:57 — Turning Pain Into Purpose00:07:41 — Early Recovery Realizations00:12:18 — Identity Beyond Addiction00:18:09 — Faith Entering the Story00:23:55 — Personal Responsibility Shift00:29:44 — The Reality of Street Outreach00:35:22 — Parents Living in Constant Fear00:36:03 — There's Only One David Gates00:40:53 — Dropping Everything to Help00:48:16 — Seeing Addiction Differently00:55:02 — Hope for Families01:05:13 — Tough Love vs Support01:12:27 — Long-Term Recovery Perspective01:20:10 — The Importance of Trusted People01:28:34 — Purpose After Survival

Five Years Trapped With Her Cocaine Dealer with Gladys Seisay | The Hopeaholics PodcastIn this powerful episode of the Hopeaholics Podcast, Gladys Seisay shares her raw and unfiltered journey from growing up in Sierra Leone to navigating trauma, addiction, domestic violence, jail, and ultimately fighting her way back to freedom. What started as teenage rebellion turned into alcohol abuse, cocaine addiction, and a five-year abusive relationship that nearly cost her everything. Gladys opens up about losing her eyesight at seven, surviving sexual assault, being arrested instead of her abuser, and the spiritual moments that kept her alive in her darkest hours. This episode is a testament to resilience, faith, and the reality of how trauma and addiction intertwine. If you or someone you love is struggling, this conversation is proof that no matter how far you fall, recovery is possible. Her story highlights how unhealed pain can manifest in destructive cycles, but also how courage and self-awareness can break them. The vulnerability she brings to this conversation sheds light on the hidden layers of shame, manipulation, and trauma bonding that many people silently endure. Through honesty and reflection, Gladys shows what it truly takes to reclaim your voice and your power. This is more than a story about addiction — it's a story about survival, accountability, and hope.#thehopeaholics  #redemption #recovery #AlcoholAddiction #AddictionRecovery #wedorecover #SobrietyJourney #MyStory #Hope #wedorecover #treatmentcenter #natalieevamarieJoin our patreon to get access to an EXTRA EPISODE every week of ‘Off the Record', exclusive content, a thriving recovery community, and opportunities to be featured on the podcast. https://patreon.com/TheHopeaholics Go to www.Wolfpak.com today and support our sponsors. Don't forget to use code: HOPEAHOLICSPODCAST for 10% off!Follow the Hopeaholics on our Socials:https://www.instagram.com/thehopeaholics https://linktr.ee/thehopeaholicsBuy Merch: https://thehopeaholics.myshopify.comVisit our Treatment Centers: https://www.hopebythesea.comIf you or a loved one needs help, please call or text 949-615-8588. We have the resources to treat mental health and addiction. Sponsored by the Infiniti Group LLC:https://www.infinitigroupllc.com Timestamps:00:02:26 - Born in Sierra Leone00:04:54 - The Tennis Ball Accident (Loss of Sight)00:09:54 - Discovering Hidden Siblings00:12:38 - Crashing Her Mom's Car at 1800:13:02 - Sexual Assault During Blackout00:16:59 - Quitting Weed Cold Turkey00:19:59 - “Electric Cain” Alter Ego00:23:19 - Cocaine Changes Everything00:27:11 - Slapped in the Uber00:28:20 - Arrested Instead of Him00:29:58 - 40 Women in the Tank00:31:27 - Bible in Jail Moment00:34:43 - 52 Weeks of Domestic Violence Classes00:41:30 - Confessing Relapse on Final Class00:42:31 - Becoming “Crazier” to Escape

The 12th Arrest That Changed Everything with Samantha Jurado | The Hopeaholics Podcast In this deeply emotional episode of The Hopeaholics Podcast, Samantha Jurado shares her unfiltered story of trauma, addiction, loss, and long-term recovery—from surviving childhood abuse, early suicide attempts, and meth addiction, to becoming a young mother, experiencing homelessness, incarceration, and the devastating loss of her daughter in a car accident that changed the course of her life forever. Samantha opens up about the years of self-destruction that followed, the spiritual awakening that finally broke through after her 12th arrest, and how sobriety became possible when she chose to fully show up as a mother to her son. She also speaks candidly about navigating grief in recovery after losing her son years later, enduring divorce and isolation during COVID, and rediscovering her identity beyond trauma, labels, and addiction. This episode is a raw testament to resilience, accountability, faith, and what it truly means to survive the unimaginable and still choose to live, heal, and recover out loud.#thehopeaholics #redemption #recovery #AlcoholAddiction #AddictionRecovery #wedorecover #SobrietyJourney #MyStory #Hope #wedorecover #treatmentcenter #natalieevamarieJoin our patreon to get access to an EXTRA EPISODE every week of ‘Off the Record', exclusive content, a thriving recovery community, and opportunities to be featured on the podcast. https://patreon.com/TheHopeaholics Go to www.Wolfpak.com today and support our sponsors. Don't forget to use code: HOPEAHOLICSPODCAST for 10% off!Follow the Hopeaholics on our Socials:https://www.instagram.com/thehopeaholics https://linktr.ee/thehopeaholicsBuy Merch: https://thehopeaholics.myshopify.comVisit our Treatment Centers: https://www.hopebythesea.comIf you or a loved one needs help, please call or text 949-615-8588. We have the resources to treat mental health and addiction. Sponsored by the Infiniti Group LLC:https://www.infinitigroupllc.com Timestamps:00:02:32 - Growing Up Moving State to State00:04:15 - First Blackout and Suicide Attempt at 1400:06:08 - Childhood Sexual Abuse Revealed00:07:49 - Abuser Sent to Prison00:09:34 - Abuse in Father's Home00:11:44 - Safety and Stability With Grandmother00:13:10 - First Time Using Meth00:13:54 - Leaving Home and Addiction Escalates00:14:33 - Becoming a Mother at 2000:18:23 - CPS Knocking and Losing Stability00:19:26 - Homelessness and Active Addiction00:21:50 - Last Meth Use and 12th Arrest00:23:14 - Mistaking AA for a Club00:24:46 - Choosing Sobriety to Be a Mom00:26:45 - Daughter's Fatal Car Accident00:28:31 - Charged in Daughter's Death00:30:03 - Years of Destruction and Incarceration00:35:41 - Spiritual Awakening in Jail00:38:19 - Deciding to Stop Drinking Completely00:39:03 - Getting Sober for Her Son00:45:48 - Long-Term Recovery and Family Healing00:50:05 - Son's Death During Recovery00:51:19 - Grief, Divorce, and COVID00:52:44 - Rediscovering Identity in Recovery

How Addiction Nearly Killed Three Sisters w/ Amanda Crossley | The Hopeaholics PodcastIn this powerful episode of The Hopeaholics Podcast, Amanda Crossley shares her raw and unforgettable story of addiction, survival, and recovery—from growing up in New Jersey, stealing pills while working in a pharmacy, and descending into heroin use alongside her two sisters, to writing a desperate letter to Doctor Phil that ultimately changed all of their lives. Amanda opens up about the chaos of addiction, the pain her family endured, being exposed on national television, and how that moment became the turning point that led her to long-term sobriety, rebuilding relationships, and finding purpose by recovering out loud. This episode is an honest, emotional look at addiction as a family disease and a testament to what's possible when secrets end and recovery begins. Amanda also reflects on early sobriety, facing legal consequences, and learning how to build a new life from the ground up. Her story highlights the power of community, accountability, and saying yes to help even when it's uncomfortable. If you or someone you love is struggling, this episode is a reminder that recovery is possible and hope is never out of reach.#thehopeaholics #redemption #recovery #AlcoholAddiction #addictionrecovery  #wedorecover #SobrietyJourney #MyStory #Hope #wedorecover #treatmentcenter #natalieevamarieJoin our patreon to get access to an EXTRA EPISODE every week of ‘Off the Record', exclusive content, a thriving recovery community, and opportunities to be featured on the podcast. https://patreon.com/TheHopeaholics Go to www.Wolfpak.com today and support our sponsors. Don't forget to use code: HOPEAHOLICSPODCAST for 10% off!Follow the Hopeaholics on our Socials:https://www.instagram.com/thehopeaholics https://linktr.ee/thehopeaholicsBuy Merch: https://thehopeaholics.myshopify.comVisit our Treatment Centers: https://www.hopebythesea.comIf you or a loved one needs help, please call or text 949-615-8588. We have the resources to treat mental health and addiction. Sponsored by the Infiniti Group LLC:https://www.infinitigroupllc.com Timestamps:00:03:20 - Growing Up in New Jersey and East Coast Mentality00:05:00 - Family Background and Sisters' Addiction00:06:54 - First Experience With OxyContin00:07:35 - Stealing and Selling Pills While Working in a Pharmacy00:11:54 - First Time Using Heroin After Being Caught00:14:43 - First Treatment Experience at Age 2200:16:12 - Moving to Florida With Her Sister and Rapid Decline00:18:21 - All Three Sisters Using Under Parents' Roof00:21:31 - Writing the Letter to Doctor Phil00:22:32 - Doctor Phil Producers Call Two Years Later00:24:27 - Filming Doctor Phil and Parents Seeing Everything00:25:56 - Sent to Treatment and Sobriety Begins00:28:01 - Sisters' Sobriety and Family Today00:34:31 - Life After Treatment and Commitment to Recovery

Facing a Life Sentence After Getting Sober w/ Vinsent Franke | The Hopeaholics PodcastIn this intense and deeply emotional episode of the Hopeaholics Podcast, Vinsent Franke shares a raw, unfiltered account of trauma, addiction, crime, faith, and recovery that spans decades. He opens up about early childhood exposure to drugs and alcohol, severe abuse that shattered trust, and a life split between discipline and chaos that fueled addiction from a young age. Vinsent details his descent into drug dealing, violence, incarceration, and psychosis, alongside moments of extreme loss, including the addiction and struggles of his son and the unbearable weight of parental guilt. The conversation takes a powerful turn as he recounts a profound spiritual experience that ended his addiction overnight while facing a potential life sentence just days into sobriety. From navigating insanity defenses and jail time to becoming a therapist, pastor, and recovery leader, this episode explores the intersection of trauma, spirituality, accountability, and grace. It's a gripping story about surviving the darkest corners of addiction, confronting generational pain, and finding purpose through recovery, service, and faith.#thehopeaholics #redemption #recovery #AlcoholAddiction #AddictionRecovery #wedorecover #SobrietyJourney #MyStory #Hope #wedorecover #treatmentcenter #natalieevamarieJoin our patreon to get access to an EXTRA EPISODE every week of ‘Off the Record', exclusive content, a thriving recovery community, and opportunities to be featured on the podcast. https://patreon.com/TheHopeaholics Go to www.Wolfpak.com today and support our sponsors. Don't forget to use code: HOPEAHOLICSPODCAST for 10% off!Follow the Hopeaholics on our Socials:https://www.instagram.com/thehopeaholics https://linktr.ee/thehopeaholicsBuy Merch: https://thehopeaholics.myshopify.comVisit our Treatment Centers: https://www.hopebythesea.comIf you or a loved one needs help, please call or text 949-615-8588. We have the resources to treat mental health and addiction. Sponsored by the Infiniti Group LLC:https://www.infinitigroupllc.com Timestamps:00:03:31 - Clean and sober since 200400:04:55 - First drink at nine years old00:05:52 - First time getting high as a child00:09:56 - Childhood abuse and betrayal by a stepfather00:11:20 - Discovering his mother married another abuser00:14:45 - Finding Charles Manson letters in his mother's possession00:18:09 - Starting drug distribution to survive00:19:20 - Being told to grow his own weed at thirteen00:20:30 - Paying for an abortion and emotional collapse00:23:12 - First time smoking cocaine00:26:48 - Meeting his son for the first time in prison00:28:42 - Abandoning his son while deep in addiction00:31:31 - Prescription pills leading to heroin00:33:21 - Refusing to force his son into treatment00:34:53 - Son in psychosis calling from the hospital00:35:46 - Spiritual experience that ended his addiction00:39:08 - Facing a life sentence days into sobriety00:39:57 - Acquitted after insanity and diminished capacity defense00:41:23 - Realizing recovery is spiritual warfare00:44:18 - Becoming a pastor after addiction and prison00:48:26 - Discovering sober living operators using drugs00:49:05 - Starting and running sober living homes

Why Money, Power, and Women Didn't Fix the Pain with Michael Lynch | The Hopeaholics PodcastIn this raw and powerful episode of the Hopeaholics Podcast, Michael Lynch sits down to share an unfiltered story of survival, addiction, crime, success, and redemption. From growing up in foster care and running the streets, to building a viral underground fight empire funded by prison hustles, Michael opens up about the rise that came with money, fame, and excess—and the quiet collapse that followed through alcoholism, isolation, and the brink of suicide. He speaks candidly about manipulation, power, broken relationships, and how alcohol nearly destroyed everything drugs never could. The conversation takes a dramatic turn as Michael recounts being raided just days after deciding to end his life, leading to jail, a fight for freedom, and an unexpected introduction to recovery that ultimately saved him. This episode dives deep into the psychology of addiction, the illusion of success, prison life, spiritual awakening, and what real transformation looks like after hitting bottom. It's an intense, honest, and inspiring story about losing everything, surrendering control, and finding purpose in helping others find their way out.#thehopeaholics  #redemption #recovery #AlcoholAddiction #AddictionRecovery #wedorecover #SobrietyJourney #MyStory #Hope #wedorecover #treatmentcenter #natalieevamarieJoin our patreon to get access to an EXTRA EPISODE every week of ‘Off the Record', exclusive content, a thriving recovery community, and opportunities to be featured on the podcast. https://patreon.com/TheHopeaholics Go to www.Wolfpak.com today and support our sponsors. Don't forget to use code: HOPEAHOLICSPODCAST for 10% off!Follow the Hopeaholics on our Socials:https://www.instagram.com/thehopeaholics https://linktr.ee/thehopeaholicsBuy Merch: https://thehopeaholics.myshopify.comVisit our Treatment Centers: https://www.hopebythesea.comIf you or a loved one needs help, please call or text 949-615-8588. We have the resources to treat mental health and addiction. Sponsored by the Infiniti Group LLC:https://www.infinitigroupllc.com Timestamps:00:01:30 - Foster care and growing up in the system00:02:41 - First hustle at ten years old00:03:24 - Felony Fights origins00:04:13 - Felony Fights explodes worldwide00:08:23 - Addiction taking over during success00:09:27 - Drug money funding Felony Fights00:10:28 - Discovering he was about to be a father in prison00:12:44 - Going from prison to best-selling DVDs00:14:04 - Alcohol becoming the real downfall00:19:20 - Realizing money and power were fools gold00:22:03 - Why recovery was harder than prison00:23:49 - Choosing to help addicts instead of hustling00:24:37 - Facing a life sentence as the three-strikes poster boy00:25:13 - Planning to commit suicide at the height of success00:26:17 - Being raided instead of killing himself00:28:16 - Clean date and sobriety begins00:30:28 - Denial and watching life collapse00:31:49 - Sabotaging love and pushing everyone away00:34:20 - Finding recovery while fighting a life sentence00:38:24 - Impact jail program saves his life00:41:58 - Learning the steps and surrendering control00:42:52 - Belief that the darkest stories do the most good

Bare Knuckle Fighting Addiction with Brooke Evans| The Hopeaholics PodcastIn this powerful episode of the Hopeaholics Podcast, Brooke Evans shares her unfiltered journey through addiction, trauma, and recovery, revealing the stark contrast between outward strength and inner struggle. A competitive fighter and athlete, Brooke opens up about using drugs and alcohol while training, escalating into heroin addiction, public injection, relapse after periods of sobriety, and moments where survival felt uncertain. She speaks candidly about motherhood, the guilt and motivation tied to her son, and the spiritual turning points that helped shift her path when she believed she was beyond saving. Brooke's story dives into relapse triggers, the reality of losing control once substances are introduced, and the courage it takes to choose sobriety daily. This episode is an honest look at resilience, accountability, and the hope that can still emerge even after repeated setbacks. Brooke also reflects on how discipline in recovery replaced chaos with structure and purpose. She shares hard-earned insight into recognizing warning signs before relapse takes hold.#thehopeaholics  #redemption #recovery #AlcoholAddiction #AddictionRecovery #wedorecover #SobrietyJourney #MyStory #Hope #wedorecover #treatmentcenter #natalieevamarieJoin our patreon to get access to an EXTRA EPISODE every week of ‘Off the Record', exclusive content, a thriving recovery community, and opportunities to be featured on the podcast. https://patreon.com/TheHopeaholics Go to www.Wolfpak.com today and support our sponsors. Don't forget to use code: HOPEAHOLICSPODCAST for 10% off!Follow the Hopeaholics on our Socials:https://www.instagram.com/thehopeaholics https://linktr.ee/thehopeaholicsBuy Merch: https://thehopeaholics.myshopify.comVisit our Treatment Centers: https://www.hopebythesea.comIf you or a loved one needs help, please call or text 949-615-8588. We have the resources to treat mental health and addiction. Sponsored by the Infiniti Group LLC:https://www.infinitigroupllc.com Timestamps:00:01:27 - Fighting Through Extreme Pain in Bare Knuckle Boxing00:02:36 - Her Son Becoming Her Biggest Supporter00:06:07 - Using Drugs While Competing as a Fighter00:07:00 - Training and Running While Using Heroin00:10:35 - First Time Getting Drunk in Sixth Grade00:11:42 - Blacking Out Regularly as a Teen00:16:26 - Reaching Over Six Years of Sobriety00:18:48 - Relapsing After Taking Diet Pills00:19:42 - Realizing Substances Take Control Once Used00:21:01 - Being Triggered After Dental Surgery00:22:49 - Refusing Fentanyl During Surgery00:28:28 - Leaving Detox to Go Get High00:31:11 - Injecting Drugs in Public at a Gas Station00:36:01 - “God Sent Me to You” Moment00:40:40 - Admitting She Didn't Believe She Could Get Sober

Growing Up in Chaos and Choosing Sobriety with Jasper Wilkins | The Hopeaholics PodcastIn this raw and deeply emotional episode, Jasper Wilkins shares his life story of growing up in chaos, addiction, and trauma, and how those experiences ultimately led him to the brink of death before finding recovery. Jasper opens up about being raised by parents battling substance use, enduring neglect, sexual abuse, and repeated loss, including the devastating death of his mother to addiction. He recounts years of numbing pain with opiates, surviving an overdose, and reaching a moment where asking for help became a matter of life or death. Through sobriety, Jasper began confronting long-buried trauma, learning forgiveness, and discovering purpose in helping others who feel unseen and hopeless. His story is a powerful testament to resilience, the impact of reaching out for help, and the possibility of breaking generational cycles of addiction. Jasper also reflects on how recovery restored his ability to feel, connect, and truly live for the first time. He speaks to the daily choice of sobriety and the responsibility that comes with surviving when so many do not. This episode serves as a reminder that even at rock bottom, hope can still find you.#thehopeaholics  #redemption #recovery #AlcoholAddiction #AddictionRecovery #wedorecover #SobrietyJourney #MyStory #Hope #wedorecover #treatmentcenter #natalieevamarieJoin our patreon to get access to an EXTRA EPISODE every week of ‘Off the Record', exclusive content, a thriving recovery community, and opportunities to be featured on the podcast. https://patreon.com/TheHopeaholics Go to www.Wolfpak.com today and support our sponsors. Don't forget to use code: HOPEAHOLICSPODCAST for 10% off!Follow the Hopeaholics on our Socials:https://www.instagram.com/thehopeaholics https://linktr.ee/thehopeaholicsBuy Merch: https://thehopeaholics.myshopify.comVisit our Treatment Centers: https://www.hopebythesea.comIf you or a loved one needs help, please call or text 949-615-8588. We have the resources to treat mental health and addiction. Sponsored by the Infiniti Group LLC:https://www.infinitigroupllc.com Timestamps:00:07:17 - Parents in Prison and Alcoholism From the Start00:09:29 - Being Left on His Mom's Doorstep00:11:00 - Asking Why His Parents Couldn't Choose Him00:11:37 - Realizing He Never Truly Forgave His Mom00:16:43 - Finding the Podcast While Praying for Help00:17:35 - Texting for Help at 3 AM Knowing He Would Die00:18:59 - Overdosing at Work00:21:03 - Breaking Down in Front of His Family00:22:01 - Saying the Podcast Saved His Life00:26:11 - Finding His Mother After She Died00:27:17 - Learning His Mom Had a Rehab Date Scheduled00:29:29 - Trauma and Nightmares That Drove His Addiction00:33:02 - Being Sexually Abused and Not Believed00:36:18 - Living Without Food, Water, or Safety as a Child00:31:22 - Surviving When He Should Not Be Alive

The Downward Spiral of Addiction with Ashleigh Ethridge | The Hopeaholics PodcastIn this powerful and deeply vulnerable episode of the Hopeaholics Podcast, Ashleigh Ethridge shares her full story of addiction, recovery, and spiritual awakening, offering an unfiltered look at how alcoholism can quietly take over a life that once appeared stable and successful. She walks through her early years, the influence of the LA nightlife and service industry, and how drinking slowly evolved from social fun into daily survival, leading to blackout episodes, escalating drug use, and a complete loss of control. Ashleigh recounts terrifying experiences with withdrawal seizures, alcohol-induced psychosis, and the physical deterioration that came with drinking around the clock, including moments where she knew she was dying yet still resisted help. She opens up about the role of shame, denial, and toxic relationships in keeping her trapped, as well as the emotional toll addiction took on her family—especially the moment she called her mother from the floor of her apartment, unable to save herself. The episode also explores her journey into treatment, the fear of starting over in her thirties, and the difficult but necessary inner work that followed, including therapy, rebuilding her faith, and confronting the deeper wounds beneath the drinking. Through honesty, humility, and reflection, Ashleigh shares how recovery restored her sense of purpose, healed fractured relationships, and gave her a life she never thought possible, making this episode a raw, hopeful testament to what can happen when someone finally surrenders and chooses to live.#thehopeaholics #redemption #recovery #AlcoholAddiction #AddictionRecovery #wedorecover #SobrietyJourney #MyStory #Hope #wedorecover #treatmentcenter #natalieevamarieJoin our patreon to get access to an EXTRA EPISODE every week of ‘Off the Record', exclusive content, a thriving recovery community, and opportunities to be featured on the podcast. https://patreon.com/TheHopeaholics Go to www.Wolfpak.com today and support our sponsors. Don't forget to use code: HOPEAHOLICSPODCAST for 10% off!Follow the Hopeaholics on our Socials:https://www.instagram.com/thehopeaholics https://linktr.ee/thehopeaholicsBuy Merch: https://thehopeaholics.myshopify.comVisit our Treatment Centers: https://www.hopebythesea.comIf you or a loved one needs help, please call or text 949-615-8588. We have the resources to treat mental health and addiction. Sponsored by the Infiniti Group LLC:https://www.infinitigroupllc.com Timestamps:00:03:42 - First Time Drinking and the Anxiety That Followed00:05:38 - Parents' Divorce and the Beginning of the Spiral00:08:33 - Falling in Love With the LA Party Scene00:10:06 - First Time Cocaine and Molly in the Hollywood Hills00:11:03 - Life Becomes One Long Party Cycle00:12:25 - Reporting Her Own Car Stolen While Blacked Out00:15:14 - Realizing the Car Was Never Stolen00:19:42 - Selling Everything to Move to Mexico00:22:18 - Drinking Half the Inventory as a Manager00:25:14 - Looking in the Mirror and Not Recognizing Herself00:26:01 - Living Next to the Cecil Hotel00:27:21 - Drinking Just to Function and Get to Work00:28:45 - Two Bottles of Liquor a Night00:31:18 - First Withdrawal Seizure Behind the Bar00:33:23 - Second Seizure and Waking Up on the Floor00:35:21 - DTs and Seeing Demons in Her Apartment00:37:46 - Finding Peace Sitting Outside a Church00:38:34 - Thirty Days Sober and Deciding to Drink Again00:39:04 - Final Seizure and Calling Her Mom for Help00:40:30 - Realizing She Never Wants to Feel This Way Again00:40:54 - Entering Treatment on Medi-Cal00:42:51 - Choosing to Stay for 60 Days00:43:10 - Feeling Her Grandparents' Pre

Geoffrey Blaylock Returns: The Information That's Gap Killing Addicts | The Hopeaholics PodcastIn this powerful return episode, Geoffrey Blaylock comes back to the Hopeaholics Podcast to continue the conversation on addiction as a brain-based disease, diving even deeper into the realities that families and individuals often misunderstand. Building on his previous appearance, he expands on trauma, attachment, and epigenetics, while challenging outdated intervention models and the damaging belief that addiction is simply a choice. He explains how impaired decision-making, toxic shame, and nervous system dysregulation keep people trapped in cycles of relapse and self-destruction. Through compelling analogies and real-world clinical examples, he clarifies why education is one of the most critical tools in saving lives. Geoffrey also discusses how addiction affects not just the individual, but entire family systems, often pulling loved ones into their own form of emotional dysregulation. The conversation emphasizes the importance of compassion without enabling, accountability without punishment, and support rooted in neuroscience rather than fear.Check out Geoffrey's First Episode:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CeJN23-Gsx4#thehopeaholics #redemption #recovery #AlcoholAddiction #AddictionRecovery #wedorecover #SobrietyJourney #MyStory #Hope #wedorecover #treatmentcenter #natalieevamarieJoin our patreon to get access to an EXTRA EPISODE every week of ‘Off the Record', exclusive content, a thriving recovery community, and opportunities to be featured on the podcast. https://patreon.com/TheHopeaholics Go to www.Wolfpak.com today and support our sponsors. Don't forget to use code: HOPEAHOLICSPODCAST for 10% off!Follow the Hopeaholics on our Socials:https://www.instagram.com/thehopeaholics https://linktr.ee/thehopeaholicsBuy Merch: https://thehopeaholics.myshopify.comVisit our Treatment Centers: https://www.hopebythesea.comIf you or a loved one needs help, please call or text 949-615-8588. We have the resources to treat mental health and addiction. Sponsored by the Infiniti Group LLC:https://www.infinitigroupllc.com Timestamps:00:03:17 - Subjective vs Objective Decision Making00:04:29 - Critique of Traditional Intervention Model00:06:03 - Memory-Based Intervention Approach00:07:13 - Frontal Cortex Shutdown in Addiction00:09:32 - Toxic Shame and Fight-or-Flight00:17:39 - Is Addiction a Choice or a Disease00:18:50 - Who Would Choose Skid Row00:19:32 - Addiction as a Brain Disease00:20:15 - What Makes Us Human and the Frontal Cortex00:21:14 - Education Creates Empathy00:23:01 - Why Addiction Is Not Purely Genetic00:24:03 - Epigenetics Explained00:26:16 - Cultural Trauma and Addiction Myths00:29:15 - Identical Twins With Different Outcomes00:32:22 - Why Children Self-Medicate00:34:57 - Addiction as a Disease of Decision Making00:37:34 - Donuts, Dopamine, and Survival Brain00:39:12 - Unacceptable Lack of Addiction Education00:41:07 - Attachment and Early Development00:43:18 - Toxic Ownership and Core Beliefs00:48:19 - Trauma Profiles and Identity Formation

Mommy Wine Culture Hid Her Addiction w/ Olivia Flynn | The Hopeaholics PodcastIn this raw and deeply moving episode of the Hopeholics Podcast, Olivia Flynn shares her journey through generational addiction, early exposure to alcohol, and the quiet ways substance use became normalized long before anyone called it a problem, opening up about growing up with an alcoholic father, getting drunk for the first time and feeling relief, how bartending culture fueled addiction, and the internal unraveling that led to pregnancy, custody battles, and a moment driving home when she no longer wanted to live, before describing the turning point of admitting she was an alcoholic, praying to a God she didn't yet believe in, and experiencing a radical shift through faith that led not only to sobriety but to confronting hidden addictions like weed, dismantling “mommy wine” culture, releasing shame tied to motherhood, and ultimately breaking generational cycles for her daughters while redefining what real freedom, healing, and identity look like beyond abstinence alone.#thehopeaholics #redemption #recovery #AlcoholAddiction #AddictionRecovery #wedorecover #SobrietyJourney #MyStory #Hope #wedorecover #treatmentcenter #natalieevamarieJoin our patreon to get access to an EXTRA EPISODE every week of ‘Off the Record', exclusive content, a thriving recovery community, and opportunities to be featured on the podcast. https://patreon.com/TheHopeaholics Go to www.Wolfpak.com today and support our sponsors. Don't forget to use code: HOPEAHOLICSPODCAST for 10% off!Follow the Hopeaholics on our Socials:https://www.instagram.com/thehopeaholics https://linktr.ee/thehopeaholicsBuy Merch: https://thehopeaholics.myshopify.comVisit our Treatment Centers: https://www.hopebythesea.comIf you or a loved one needs help, please call or text 949-615-8588. We have the resources to treat mental health and addiction. Sponsored by the Infiniti Group LLC:https://www.infinitigroupllc.com Timestamps:00:03:51 - Growing up with an alcoholic father00:04:44 - Drinking normalized at twelve years old00:05:01 - First time getting drunk and feeling relief00:06:43 - Bartending culture normalizing addiction00:08:11 - Getting pregnant and staying sober during pregnancy00:09:07 - Custody battle triggering relapse patterns00:09:41 - Driving home and wanting to die00:09:59 - Praying to a God she didn't believe in00:12:04 - Admitting “I'm an alcoholic” to her mom00:13:13 - Baptism and sudden freedom from alcohol00:18:38 - Confronting toxic mommy-wine culture00:31:54 - Realizing weed replaced alcohol as addiction00:34:31 - Deliverance session and quitting weed00:44:56 - Breaking generational addiction for her daughters

How Denial Keeps Addiction Alive w/ Anthony Zorzetto | The Hopeaholics PodcastIn this powerful episode of the Hopeholics Podcast, Anthony Zorzetto shares an unfiltered story of addiction, identity loss, and rebuilding from the ground up as casual drinking and recreational drug use slowly spiral into full-blown addiction alongside a failing marriage, a collapsing construction business, and overwhelming financial pressure, opening up about how substances stopped being social and became a means of survival, the false confidence addiction gave him, ignoring warning signs from banks and loved ones, and the moment he found himself unable to afford even basic necessities, all while reflecting on the painful contrast between who he once was — disciplined, driven, and convinced addiction could never touch him — and the reality of hitting rock bottom, discovering hidden family history with addiction, and ultimately choosing sobriety, responsibility, and fatherhood as the foundation for a new life built on honesty, accountability, and hope.#thehopeaholics  #redemption #recovery #AlcoholAddiction #AddictionRecovery #wedorecover #SobrietyJourney #MyStory #Hope #wedorecover #treatmentcenter #natalieevamarieJoin our patreon to get access to an EXTRA EPISODE every week of ‘Off the Record', exclusive content, a thriving recovery community, and opportunities to be featured on the podcast. https://patreon.com/TheHopeaholics Go to www.Wolfpak.com today and support our sponsors. Don't forget to use code: HOPEAHOLICSPODCAST for 10% off!Follow the Hopeaholics on our Socials:https://www.instagram.com/thehopeaholics https://linktr.ee/thehopeaholicsBuy Merch: https://thehopeaholics.myshopify.comVisit our Treatment Centers: https://www.hopebythesea.comIf you or a loved one needs help, please call or text 949-615-8588. We have the resources to treat mental health and addiction. Sponsored by the Infiniti Group LLC:https://www.infinitigroupllc.com Timestamps:00:12:44 - Getting sober shortly after meeting his partner00:13:01 - Accidentally getting married too young00:13:17 - Addiction worsening as marriage deteriorates00:13:35 - Cocaine shifting from recreational to coping mechanism00:14:17 - Using drugs to escape business and marriage collapse00:14:32 - Living parallel addictions inside the marriage00:23:01 - Discovering hidden family history of opioid addiction00:24:06 - Construction business failure accelerating00:25:14 - Cocaine creating a false sense of power and control00:25:23 - Ignoring bank warnings and financial reality00:25:58 - Unable to afford basic necessities00:26:00 - Being left alone after his wife walks out00:26:17 - Confronting the contrast between past discipline and addiction00:30:33 - Anger at entitlement and loss of personal responsibility

"GETTING SOBER AT 17 NEARLY BROKE ME" w/ Teddy Tarantino | The Hopeaholics PodcastIn this episode, Teddy Tarantino shares his raw and unfiltered journey from severe addiction at a young age to more than 17 years of sobriety. Getting clean at just 17 years old, Teddy built a disciplined recovery foundation that led him to open a successful treatment center in his mid-20s, helping countless people find their way out of addiction. Along the way, he navigated complex questions around identity, sexuality, ambition, and purpose, ultimately transitioning into a successful career in adult entertainment while remaining deeply committed to recovery, therapy, and personal growth. Teddy speaks candidly about addiction, recovery culture, stigma, self-honesty, and what it means to build a life that is both authentic and responsible, offering a powerful perspective on long-term sobriety, reinvention, and staying true to yourself. He also reflects on childhood trauma, early exposure to drugs, and the moment that finally shifted his commitment to recovery. The conversation explores how discipline, service, and self-awareness have shaped his evolution over the years. This episode offers insight for anyone questioning their path, redefining success, or seeking hope through radical honesty and accountability.#thehopeaholics  #redemption #recovery #AlcoholAddiction #AddictionRecovery #wedorecover #SobrietyJourney #MyStory #Hope #wedorecover #treatmentcenter #natalieevamarieJoin our patreon to get access to an EXTRA EPISODE every week of ‘Off the Record', exclusive content, a thriving recovery community, and opportunities to be featured on the podcast. https://patreon.com/TheHopeaholics Go to www.Wolfpak.com today and support our sponsors. Don't forget to use code: HOPEAHOLICSPODCAST for 10% off!Follow the Hopeaholics on our Socials:https://www.instagram.com/thehopeaholics https://linktr.ee/thehopeaholicsBuy Merch: https://thehopeaholics.myshopify.comVisit our Treatment Centers: https://www.hopebythesea.comIf you or a loved one needs help, please call or text 949-615-8588. We have the resources to treat mental health and addiction. Sponsored by the Infiniti Group LLC:https://www.infinitigroupllc.com Timestamps:00:02:23 - 17 Years of Sobriety00:05:47 - Never Missing a Meeting00:06:05 - Getting Clean Before Adulthood00:07:49 - Falling Deeply in Love00:11:18 - First Male Escort Experience00:13:35 - Turning Adult Content Into Art00:15:39 - Opening a Treatment Center at 2500:18:46 - First Viral Porn Video00:23:22 - Deleting Everything for Integrity00:24:56 - Personality Test Sparks Career Crisis00:27:23 - Leaving the Treatment Center00:39:22 - First Time Smoking Crack at 1400:42:42 - Ray's Share That Changed Everything

The Version of Him That Couldn't Survive w/ Dave Puhky | The Hopeaholics PodcastIn this powerful one-on-one conversation, Dave Puhky shares a brutally honest look at how alcohol quietly became the center of his life, blurring the line between control and collapse. What started as normal drinking slowly evolved into isolation, secrecy, and crossing boundaries he once swore he never would, all while trying to convince everyone around him that he had everything handled. Dave opens up about hiding his drinking, facing serious consequences, and the moment his family confronted a truth he could no longer deny. He walks through the fear and uncertainty of entering treatment, the physical and emotional toll of withdrawal, and the humility required to finally ask for help. This episode captures the raw reality of addiction and the hard-won decision to choose recovery, offering a message of hope for anyone struggling in silence. Dave also reflects on rebuilding trust one day at a time and learning how to live without alcohol as a coping mechanism. His story highlights how accountability, support, and honesty can change the trajectory of a life. Above all, it's a reminder that recovery is possible, even when it feels too late.#thehopeaholics  #redemption #recovery #AlcoholAddiction #AddictionRecovery #wedorecover #SobrietyJourney #MyStory #Hope #wedorecover #treatmentcenter #natalieevamarieJoin our patreon to get access to an EXTRA EPISODE every week of ‘Off the Record', exclusive content, a thriving recovery community, and opportunities to be featured on the podcast. https://patreon.com/TheHopeaholics Go to www.Wolfpak.com today and support our sponsors. Don't forget to use code: HOPEAHOLICSPODCAST for 10% off!Follow the Hopeaholics on our Socials:https://www.instagram.com/thehopeaholics https://linktr.ee/thehopeaholicsBuy Merch: https://thehopeaholics.myshopify.comVisit our Treatment Centers: https://www.hopebythesea.comIf you or a loved one needs help, please call or text 949-615-8588. We have the resources to treat mental health and addiction. Sponsored by the Infiniti Group LLC:https://www.infinitigroupllc.com Timestamps:00:02:56 - You don't owe disrespectful people anything00:03:31 - Social media haters and secret supporters00:05:27 - Life before social media and starting a podcast00:06:33 - Disconnecting from phones and rediscovering creativity00:07:10 - The danger of constant consumption over creation00:10:56 - Retreats, hard resets, and reclaiming creativity00:11:21 - What got Dave into social media00:12:23 - Fitness as a mask and mental biceps00:13:45 - Teaching self-worth and mindset in the gym00:15:21 - Getting sober after hitting a breaking point00:16:38 - Hatred as proof you're doing the right thing00:19:45 - Rehab at 20 and early sobriety attempts00:21:22 - Getting sober for yourself, not others00:22:35 - Choosing authenticity over approval00:23:17 - Hate as a form of admiration00:25:22 - Subtraction over addition in life choices00:27:40 - Victim mentality versus personal responsibility00:31:59 - Bad moments versus a bad life00:36:24 - Giving what you have even on low-energy days00:38:54 - Enjoying the view instead of chasing destinations00:41:43 - Falling in love with the process over outcomes