Happy Sober School Teacher!

Preston, a former addict now behavioral health advocate, author, and entrepreneur, joins host Chris to share his remarkable journey. From peaks of adrenaline-pumping activities like skydiving to the dark valleys of heroin addiction and incarceration, Preston candidly reveals the pivotal moments that shaped his path to recovery. Despite a tumultuous upbringing and personal tragedies, including the loss of his father and brother, he emerged resilient, creating Epic Journey and writing 'Epic Journal.' Preston's story is a testament to hope, the power of self-discovery, and finding joy in sobriety.

Sean shares his recovery story after 30 days in treatment, aided by Frankie's group 'Two Lanes of Freedom'. Frankie and Sean both recount personal tales of loss that fuel their desire to prevent similar stories for others. The episode covers Sean's gratitude, his commitment to sobriety, and his daughter's influence in seeking aid. Frankie and Sean discuss the impact of addiction, the role of mutual support, and celebrate the success of Sean's journey. They also delve into the promise of 'Two Lanes of Freedom' to help others battling addiction.

Linda courageously shares her tumultuous journey through addiction, family struggles, and eventual recovery. Growing up in a drug-filled environment, she dabbled with substances early on, leading to heavier abuse and chaos, further amplified by personal tragedies. Yet, with support from her grandmother, spiritual growth, and dedicated involvement in the recovery community, Linda turned her life around. Host Chris traces Linda's path from addiction's depths to 32 years of sobriety, highlighting the healing power of community and the ongoing fight against substance dependency.

Chris interviews Gina Tabrizy, who shares her story of cultural struggles and personal triumphs. Born in New York with Cuban heritage, Gina faced identity conflicts and her brother's addiction, leading her to a career in therapy. She discusses her book 'Healing is a Love Story,' insights on recovery, and personal anecdotes about self-acceptance. The episode is a candid reflection on cultural identity, healing, and the power of self-love amid life's challenges.

Chris dives into Perla Mendoza’s harrowing account of her son’s fentanyl overdose and her crusade against the drug crisis. Perla’s tale illuminates the dangers of covert online drug markets and the devastating impact of addiction. Listeners will learn about Project Eli – an educational movement born from tragedy, aimed at preventing future losses. The episode covers the emotional journey from Perla's aspirations for her son to her bittersweet pursuit of justice. This episode will stir a conversation on awareness and accountability amid a growing fentanyl epidemic.

Caelan joins host Chris for his six-month checkup, sharing his remarkable transformation since embracing sobriety. Caelan reflects on the positive changes in his physical health, spirituality, and relationships with his family. He discusses his commitment to meetings, church attendance, and step work, highlighting the crucial role of his sponsor in his journey. Caelan offers a powerful message of resilience and self-worth to those grappling with addiction. As he looks ahead to his goals, Caelan's unwavering determination shines through, leaving a lasting impression on listeners.

Chris explores the gripping life story of guest Tyson, who courageously shares his journey through substance abuse, crime, and unfathomable challenges. Tyson’s tale includes a descent into drugs at a young age, escalating to meth and heroin, culminating in robbing a pharmacy—a pivotal moment leading to his arrest. Post-incarceration, Tyson relapses, suffers a mental breakdown, and faces a string of prison sentences before a profound spiritual awakening steers him towards recovery. Today, Tyson dedicates his life to helping others overcome addiction, actively fighting the fentanyl crisis, and advocating for those struggling with substance abuse.

Chris welcomes Damian, whose life took a turn from a successful dentist to a desperate bank robber due to drug addiction. Damian's addiction led him to prioritize drugs over his family, driving him to rob several banks to support his habit. Despite the gravity of his actions, his techniques were non-violent, relying on written notes. Eventual arrest and jail time mark the point of his life unraveling. Now nine years sober, he reflects on the importance of perseverance, hope, and the challenging yet rewarding process of rebuilding his life and mending familial ties. Damian's story is a raw and honest testament to the struggles and triumphs of overcoming addiction.

Landon candidly shares her tumultuous journey with alcoholism. Despite a loving Texas childhood, college partying escalated into a coping mechanism for stress and isolation. Her life was derailed by a cycle of rehab and relapse, marked by a severe dependency on vodka. Now, Landon credits South Coast Counseling for her sobriety, victorious over her third stint there. As a dedicated math teacher with nearly eleven months sober, Landon reflects on the importance of honesty, her supportive family, and putting sobriety first to overcome life's hurdles and provide a stable environment for her son.

Chris engages with guest Joe Milligan in a deeply touching conversation. Joe, sober for nearly 30 years and now helping others through South Coast Counseling, describes his tumultuous journey from his first drunk experience to overcoming addiction. Joe’s personal narrative highlights the challenges within the addiction landscape and advocates for comprehensive treatment approaches. They discuss the grave realities of the opioid epidemic, the escalation of fentanyl, and the resulting rise in overdoses. Joe’s commitment to rebuilding his life and helping others do the same is inspirational to anyone struggling with addiction.