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The Version of Him That Couldn’t Survive w/ Dave Puhky | The Hopeaholics Podcast #299 In this powerful 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 #natalieevamarie 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/thehopeaholics Buy Merch: https://thehopeaholics.myshopify.com Visit our Treatment Centers: https://www.hopebythesea.com If 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 anything 00:03:31 - Social media haters and secret supporters 00:05:27 - Life before social media and starting a podcast 00:06:33 - Disconnecting from phones and rediscovering creativity 00:07:10 - The danger of constant consumption over creation 00:10:56 - Retreats, hard resets, and reclaiming creativity 00:11:21 - What got Dave into social media 00:12:23 - Fitness as a mask and mental biceps 00:13:45 - Teaching self-worth and mindset in the gym 00:15:21 - Getting sober after hitting a breaking point 00:16:38 - Hatred as proof you’re doing the right thing 00:19:45 - Rehab at 20 and early sobriety attempts 00:21:22 - Getting sober for yourself, not others 00:22:35 - Choosing authenticity over approval 00:23:17 - Hate as a form of admiration 00:25:22 - Subtraction over addition in life choices 00:27:40 - Victim mentality versus personal responsibility 00:31:59 - Bad moments versus a bad life 00:36:24 - Giving what you have even on low-energy days 00:38:54 - Enjoying the view instead of chasing destinations 00:41:43 - Falling in love with the process over outcomes
The Version of Him That Couldn’t Survive w/ Dave Puhky | The Hopeaholics Podcast #299
YouTube Video UExLa1VoSlRTb1dOcnJFMkFDRk94UXdnakxTVEtXT09JQy42RjkxMEE5MTI1MzBCOEIw
When Drinking Becomes a Daily Requirement w/ Mike Schaub | The Hopeaholics Podcast #298 In this deeply personal episode, Mike Schaub shares an unfiltered account of how alcohol gradually took control of his life while he worked tirelessly to convince everyone—including himself—that everything was fine. What began as normal social drinking slowly evolved into secretive behavior, isolation, and a daily reliance on alcohol just to feel steady, leading to broken relationships, constant lying, and an overwhelming sense of shame. Mike walks through the moments when drinking stopped being fun and started feeling necessary, the fear of being exposed, and the painful realization that his life was shrinking around his addiction. He opens up about confronting his family, facing the possibility of losing everything he cared about, and finally surrendering by walking into treatment emotionally exhausted and out of options. This conversation dives into the emotional toll of addiction, the mental gymnastics of denial, and the relief that comes with radical honesty. Mike also reflects on the difficult process of learning how to live, cope, and find meaning without alcohol, and how recovery forced him to rebuild trust one day at a time. This episode is a powerful reminder that addiction doesn’t always look dramatic on the outside—but the internal struggle can be just as devastating—and that real change begins the moment someone admits they need help. #thehopeaholics #redemption #recovery #AlcoholAddiction #AddictionRecovery #wedorecover #SobrietyJourney #MyStory #Hope #wedorecover #treatmentcenter #natalieevamarie 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/thehopeaholics Buy Merch: https://thehopeaholics.myshopify.com Visit our Treatment Centers: https://www.hopebythesea.com If 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 – Growing Up Around Alcohol and Chaos 00:05:48 – First Time Drinking Changes Everything 00:09:31 – Realizing He Can’t Drink Like Other People 00:13:06 – Drinking Becomes the Solution to Everything 00:17:42 – Alcohol Turns Into an Everyday Requirement 00:22:15 – Lying to Everyone While Falling Apart 00:27:08 – Drinking Alone and Hiding Bottles 00:31:54 – The Moment He Knows He’s Out of Control 00:36:29 – Family Finally Sees How Bad It Is 00:41:03 – Consequences Catch Up All at Once 00:46:18 – Facing the Reality of Losing Everything 00:50:42 – Saying “I Can’t Do This Anymore” 00:55:09 – Walking Into Treatment Broken 01:02:37 – Learning to Live Without Alcohol 01:11:44 – Finding Purpose Through Recovery
When Drinking Becomes a Daily Requirement w/ Mike Schaub | The Hopeaholics Podcast #298
YouTube Video UExLa1VoSlRTb1dOcnJFMkFDRk94UXdnakxTVEtXT09JQy4yMUI5NkExNjhCMDc5RjRD
The REQUIRED Inner Shift with Jay Stinnett | The Hopeaholics Podcast #297 In this powerful and deeply reflective episode, longtime sober member, historian, spiritual teacher, and filmmaker Jay Stinnett shares an extraordinary journey that spans addiction, surrender, awakening, and a lifetime of conscious spiritual practice. With more than four decades of continuous sobriety, Jay recounts hitting bottom at a young age, walking into his first recovery meeting broken and desperate, and experiencing a profound inner shift that changed him on a cellular level. He explores addiction as a spiritual malady, the illusion that something outside ourselves can make us whole, and how true healing comes through rigorous honesty, amends, service, prayer, and meditation. The conversation weaves through raw personal stories of early recovery, sponsorship, marriage, grief, and loss, while also diving into the deeper spiritual roots of the recovery movement and the importance of conscious contact with a higher power. Jay also shares the remarkable story behind producing the award-winning documentary Bill W: Conscious Contact, including risking everything to tell a story he felt spiritually called to share. This episode is a moving testament to faith, resilience, creativity, and the idea that a fully lived life—no matter how painful or beautiful—is the greatest spiritual adventure of all. #thehopeaholics #redemption #recovery #AlcoholAddiction #AddictionRecovery #wedorecover #SobrietyJourney #MyStory #Hope #wedorecover #treatmentcenter #natalieevamarie 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/thehopeaholics Buy Merch: https://thehopeaholics.myshopify.com Visit our Treatment Centers: https://www.hopebythesea.com If 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: 00:01:31 - Sober Since May 2nd, 1979 00:04:43 - Alcoholism as a Spiritual Malady 00:05:20 - The First Drink and the Unitive Experience 00:08:22 - Addiction as the Illusion Something Outside Makes Us Whole 00:13:47 - Arrests, Living in a Pinto, and Knowing the Jig Was Up 00:15:53 - Told to Choose AA or Die Trying 00:17:34 - Walking Into His First AA Meeting 00:19:28 - “You Don’t Ever Have to Feel This Way Again” 00:20:28 - Changed on a Cellular Level and Never Picking Up Again 00:26:37 - Listening to the Inner Voice for the First Time 00:28:35 - First Prayer and Spiritual Surrender 00:32:09 - Sponsoring Someone at 28 Days Sober 00:36:48 - Choosing Not to Act in Pain During Marriage Crisis 01:02:05 - Betting His Home to Tell the Story
The REQUIRED Inner Shift with Jay Stinnett | The Hopeaholics Podcast #297
YouTube Video UExLa1VoSlRTb1dOcnJFMkFDRk94UXdnakxTVEtXT09JQy4xN0EwMDIyNjM0N0FGMkUw

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The Version of Him That Couldn’t Survive w/ Dave Puhky | The Hopeaholics Podcast #299 In this powerful 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 #natalieevamarie 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/thehopeaholics Buy Merch: https://thehopeaholics.myshopify.com Visit our Treatment Centers: https://www.hopebythesea.com If 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 anything 00:03:31 - Social media haters and secret supporters 00:05:27 - Life before social media and starting a podcast 00:06:33 - Disconnecting from phones and rediscovering creativity 00:07:10 - The danger of constant consumption over creation 00:10:56 - Retreats, hard resets, and reclaiming creativity 00:11:21 - What got Dave into social media 00:12:23 - Fitness as a mask and mental biceps 00:13:45 - Teaching self-worth and mindset in the gym 00:15:21 - Getting sober after hitting a breaking point 00:16:38 - Hatred as proof you’re doing the right thing 00:19:45 - Rehab at 20 and early sobriety attempts 00:21:22 - Getting sober for yourself, not others 00:22:35 - Choosing authenticity over approval 00:23:17 - Hate as a form of admiration 00:25:22 - Subtraction over addition in life choices 00:27:40 - Victim mentality versus personal responsibility 00:31:59 - Bad moments versus a bad life 00:36:24 - Giving what you have even on low-energy days 00:38:54 - Enjoying the view instead of chasing destinations 00:41:43 - Falling in love with the process over outcomes
The Version of Him That Couldn’t Survive w/ Dave Puhky | The Hopeaholics Podcast #299
YouTube Video UExLa1VoSlRTb1dOcnJFMkFDRk94UXdnakxTVEtXT09JQy42RjkxMEE5MTI1MzBCOEIw
When Drinking Becomes a Daily Requirement w/ Mike Schaub | The Hopeaholics Podcast #298 In this deeply personal episode, Mike Schaub shares an unfiltered account of how alcohol gradually took control of his life while he worked tirelessly to convince everyone—including himself—that everything was fine. What began as normal social drinking slowly evolved into secretive behavior, isolation, and a daily reliance on alcohol just to feel steady, leading to broken relationships, constant lying, and an overwhelming sense of shame. Mike walks through the moments when drinking stopped being fun and started feeling necessary, the fear of being exposed, and the painful realization that his life was shrinking around his addiction. He opens up about confronting his family, facing the possibility of losing everything he cared about, and finally surrendering by walking into treatment emotionally exhausted and out of options. This conversation dives into the emotional toll of addiction, the mental gymnastics of denial, and the relief that comes with radical honesty. Mike also reflects on the difficult process of learning how to live, cope, and find meaning without alcohol, and how recovery forced him to rebuild trust one day at a time. This episode is a powerful reminder that addiction doesn’t always look dramatic on the outside—but the internal struggle can be just as devastating—and that real change begins the moment someone admits they need help. #thehopeaholics #redemption #recovery #AlcoholAddiction #AddictionRecovery #wedorecover #SobrietyJourney #MyStory #Hope #wedorecover #treatmentcenter #natalieevamarie 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/thehopeaholics Buy Merch: https://thehopeaholics.myshopify.com Visit our Treatment Centers: https://www.hopebythesea.com If 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 – Growing Up Around Alcohol and Chaos 00:05:48 – First Time Drinking Changes Everything 00:09:31 – Realizing He Can’t Drink Like Other People 00:13:06 – Drinking Becomes the Solution to Everything 00:17:42 – Alcohol Turns Into an Everyday Requirement 00:22:15 – Lying to Everyone While Falling Apart 00:27:08 – Drinking Alone and Hiding Bottles 00:31:54 – The Moment He Knows He’s Out of Control 00:36:29 – Family Finally Sees How Bad It Is 00:41:03 – Consequences Catch Up All at Once 00:46:18 – Facing the Reality of Losing Everything 00:50:42 – Saying “I Can’t Do This Anymore” 00:55:09 – Walking Into Treatment Broken 01:02:37 – Learning to Live Without Alcohol 01:11:44 – Finding Purpose Through Recovery
When Drinking Becomes a Daily Requirement w/ Mike Schaub | The Hopeaholics Podcast #298
YouTube Video UExLa1VoSlRTb1dOcnJFMkFDRk94UXdnakxTVEtXT09JQy4yMUI5NkExNjhCMDc5RjRD
The REQUIRED Inner Shift with Jay Stinnett | The Hopeaholics Podcast #297 In this powerful and deeply reflective episode, longtime sober member, historian, spiritual teacher, and filmmaker Jay Stinnett shares an extraordinary journey that spans addiction, surrender, awakening, and a lifetime of conscious spiritual practice. With more than four decades of continuous sobriety, Jay recounts hitting bottom at a young age, walking into his first recovery meeting broken and desperate, and experiencing a profound inner shift that changed him on a cellular level. He explores addiction as a spiritual malady, the illusion that something outside ourselves can make us whole, and how true healing comes through rigorous honesty, amends, service, prayer, and meditation. The conversation weaves through raw personal stories of early recovery, sponsorship, marriage, grief, and loss, while also diving into the deeper spiritual roots of the recovery movement and the importance of conscious contact with a higher power. Jay also shares the remarkable story behind producing the award-winning documentary Bill W: Conscious Contact, including risking everything to tell a story he felt spiritually called to share. This episode is a moving testament to faith, resilience, creativity, and the idea that a fully lived life—no matter how painful or beautiful—is the greatest spiritual adventure of all. #thehopeaholics #redemption #recovery #AlcoholAddiction #AddictionRecovery #wedorecover #SobrietyJourney #MyStory #Hope #wedorecover #treatmentcenter #natalieevamarie 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/thehopeaholics Buy Merch: https://thehopeaholics.myshopify.com Visit our Treatment Centers: https://www.hopebythesea.com If 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: 00:01:31 - Sober Since May 2nd, 1979 00:04:43 - Alcoholism as a Spiritual Malady 00:05:20 - The First Drink and the Unitive Experience 00:08:22 - Addiction as the Illusion Something Outside Makes Us Whole 00:13:47 - Arrests, Living in a Pinto, and Knowing the Jig Was Up 00:15:53 - Told to Choose AA or Die Trying 00:17:34 - Walking Into His First AA Meeting 00:19:28 - “You Don’t Ever Have to Feel This Way Again” 00:20:28 - Changed on a Cellular Level and Never Picking Up Again 00:26:37 - Listening to the Inner Voice for the First Time 00:28:35 - First Prayer and Spiritual Surrender 00:32:09 - Sponsoring Someone at 28 Days Sober 00:36:48 - Choosing Not to Act in Pain During Marriage Crisis 01:02:05 - Betting His Home to Tell the Story
The REQUIRED Inner Shift with Jay Stinnett | The Hopeaholics Podcast #297
YouTube Video UExLa1VoSlRTb1dOcnJFMkFDRk94UXdnakxTVEtXT09JQy4xN0EwMDIyNjM0N0FGMkUw
Breaking the Cycle of Addiction as a Family w/ Rafael & Nodia | The Hopeaholics Podcast #296 In this emotionally charged episode, Rafael and Nodia sit side by side to share a raw, multi-generational story of addiction, denial, fear, and ultimately healing. What begins as Rafael’s attempt to escape the shadow of his past and Nodia’s effort to prove control through drinking spirals into cocaine, meth, psychosis, DUIs, hospitalizations, and moments where death or prison felt inevitable. Together, they recount confrontations, crashes, paranoia, and the terrifying realization that the same disease was quietly repeating itself within their family. Through brutal honesty, they unpack the pain, resentment, and misunderstandings that once defined their relationship, and how recovery reshaped everything. This episode goes far beyond sobriety—it’s a powerful testament to accountability, forgiveness, and the life-changing impact of choosing recovery not just for yourself, but for the people you love most. It captures the fear of watching someone you love disappear and the hope that comes when they finally ask for help. Their conversation reveals how recovery can reopen communication that once felt impossible. It also shows how shared vulnerability can rebuild trust where silence and anger once lived. #thehopeaholics #redemption #recovery #AlcoholAddiction #AddictionRecovery #wedorecover #SobrietyJourney #MyStory #Hope #wedorecover #treatmentcenter #natalieevamarie Check out Raffa's market in La Habra, Placentia, and Pomona California! Here's their instagram: https://www.instagram.com/raffasmarket 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/thehopeaholics Buy Merch: https://thehopeaholics.myshopify.com Visit our Treatment Centers: https://www.hopebythesea.com If 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: 00:06:06 – “I Swore I’d Never Be Like My Dad” 00:08:27 – Cocaine Enters His Life Right Before Christmas 00:09:40 – Snorting Cocaine Before a Solo Night Drive 00:11:18 – Lost on the Freeway While High and Euphoric 00:13:31 – Armed, Paranoid, and Convinced People Were After Him 00:17:52 – Parents Show Up and the Secret Is Over 00:18:35 – Selling His Businesses to Go to Rehab 00:19:44 – Finding Out He’s Having a Baby While in Rehab 00:23:59 – Smoking Crystal Meth for the First Time 00:25:49 – Trapped in a Dark House With a Naked Stranger 00:35:52 – Found Wandering the Streets in His Underwear 00:53:36 – First Drink Ends in the Hospital 00:54:38 – Second Hospitalization Sparks Resentment 00:57:37 – Crashing Into a Jail Gate During a DUI 01:01:26 – First DUI at 21 Years Old 01:02:29 – Suicidal Thoughts After Second DUI 01:04:09 – Nearly Hitting a Bus While Drunk 01:11:28 – Finally Saying “Yes” to Treatment 01:38:51 – Father Says He’s Finally Getting to Know His Daughter 01:40:05 – Realizing Her Father Was Only Trying to Help
Breaking the Cycle of Addiction as a Family w/ Rafael & Nodia | The Hopeaholics Podcast #296
YouTube Video UExLa1VoSlRTb1dOcnJFMkFDRk94UXdnakxTVEtXT09JQy41MTA4RkYwMjM4QzhBNTE3
“HEROIN ALMOST TOOK MY LIFE” w/ David Cohen | The Hopeaholics Podcast #295 In this powerful episode of the Hopeaholics Podcast, a raw and unfiltered story of survival takes center stage as David Cohen shares the gripping truth of his journey through addiction, chaos, and redemption. From forging prescriptions on Windows 95 to surviving a near-fatal heroin overdose that left him in a coma for days, his life spiraled through crime, crack houses, and moments where death felt inches away. But through unimaginable lows came a turning point—one sparked by family intervention, a gritty county-funded rehab, and a candlelit meeting that hit him with the same force as his first high. David’s transformation from a young man chasing destruction to a clinical leader helping others fight the same battle is nothing short of extraordinary. This episode delivers gut-wrenching honesty, dramatic moments, and the undeniable proof that recovery is real, possible, and powerful. Tune in to hear how grit, grace, and relentless willingness can pull someone from the darkest depths into a life of purpose. His story is a reminder that no one is too far gone to rise again. If you need hope, this episode delivers it in every minute. #thehopeaholics #redemption #recovery #AlcoholAddiction #AddictionRecovery #wedorecover #SobrietyJourney #MyStory #Hope #wedorecover #treatmentcenter #natalieevamarie 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/thehopeaholics Buy Merch: https://thehopeaholics.myshopify.com Visit our Treatment Centers: https://www.hopebythesea.com If 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: 00:19:38 – David’s Heart Stops After First Heroin Injection 00:20:12 – David Wakes Up From a 4–5 Day Overdose Coma 00:14:25 – Creating Fake Prescriptions Using Windows 95 00:17:11 – Shooting Up a Friend First to “Test” New Drugs 00:18:25 – Sliding From Pills Into Heroin and Crack Addiction 00:21:41 – Car Radiator Explodes While He’s High, Dealers Run 00:22:28 – Using His Broken Car as a “Mobile Office” to Get High 00:22:40 – Returning to Find His Car Stripped and Eventually Gone 00:23:08 – Father Confronts Him: “You’ve Changed So Much… We Don’t Know What to Do” 00:24:40 – Mother Bravely Tells Her Boss Her Son Is a Heroin Addict 00:25:58 – Candlelight AA Meeting Hits Him Like His First High 00:26:17 – David Realizes He Must Recover With Hardened Ex-Convicts 00:28:59 – Relapse Into Black Tar Heroin After Moving to Venice 00:29:25 – Waking Up Beside a Mysterious Man Who Tells Him to Go Home 00:30:26 – Returning Home in Psychosis With Only 10 Days Clean
“HEROIN ALMOST TOOK MY LIFE” w/ David Cohen | The Hopeaholics Podcast #295
YouTube Video UExLa1VoSlRTb1dOcnJFMkFDRk94UXdnakxTVEtXT09JQy5BOUNEMEI0OUY1OEEwQzdC
Getting Used To Saying NO with Justin Wenzel | The Hopeaholics Podcast #294 In this highly anticipated return to The Hopeaholics Podcast, Justin Wenzel sits down for an incredibly open and transformative conversation about self-worth, personal growth, and the journey he’s been on since his last appearance. Known for his bold transparency and massive impact on social media, Justin dives deep into the emotional work he’s spent the last year doing — from facing codependency and people-pleasing patterns to learning how to show up authentically in relationships, friendships, and business. He reflects on the challenges that shook him, including a frightening medical and legal scare, and shares how these moments pushed him toward a higher level of accountability and emotional maturity. Justin also talks about his ever-growing online platform, where he promotes mental health awareness, fitness, intentional dating, and personal development, along with the brand partnerships and lifestyle content his audience has come to love. His return brings a new level of honesty, growth, and clarity, making this episode an inspiring deep dive into evolving as a man, rebuilding confidence, and choosing a life rooted in honesty and purpose. #thehopeaholics #redemption #recovery #AlcoholAddiction #AddictionRecovery #wedorecover #SobrietyJourney #MyStory #Hope #wedorecover #treatmentcenter #natalieevamarie 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/thehopeaholics Buy Merch: https://thehopeaholics.myshopify.com Visit our Treatment Centers: https://www.hopebythesea.com If 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: 00:01:08 – Justin Returns to the Hopeaholics Podcast 00:14:13 – Learning to Approach People from Childhood 00:28:34 – Passing Out in Jail and Waking Up in an Ambulance 00:32:48 – Obsessive Thoughts and the Beginning of Separation 00:56:13 – Justin Reveals He’s Actually Extremely Shy 00:57:23 – Raised to Network and Initiate Conversations 00:57:55 – Meeting His Girlfriend Through Instagram 00:59:12 – Building a Healthy Long-Distance Relationship 01:14:43 – “You Never Know Who Will Change Your Life” 01:15:57 – The Descendants T-Shirt Story That Led to a Friendship 01:27:51 – Venn Diagram of Relationships: “Your Shit, His Shit, Our Shit” 01:28:32 – Viral Photoshoot and Going Public with His Relationship 01:28:53 – “She’s Exactly What I’ve Always Wanted in a Woman” 01:29:04 – Building His Brand on Transparency
Getting Used To Saying NO with Justin Wenzel | The Hopeaholics Podcast #294
YouTube Video UExLa1VoSlRTb1dOcnJFMkFDRk94UXdnakxTVEtXT09JQy5EMjg2Q0U4RjAyNjZDOTI2
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YouTube Video UExLa1VoSlRTb1dOcnJFMkFDRk94UXdnakxTVEtXT09JQy42QzUzNDk3NEJCNjU2ODcx
Inside a Soldier’s Fight Beyond the Battlefield w/ Carter | The Hopeaholics Podcast #292 In this powerful episode of The Hopeaholics Podcast, Carter shares an unfiltered and deeply moving journey through addiction, trauma, recovery, and personal transformation. From growing up in a turbulent environment to joining the military at a young age, Carter takes listeners through the intense realities of war, including life-changing firefights, the emotional weight of leadership, and the psychological aftermath that followed him home. After leaving the service, he spiraled into addiction, navigating years of darkness, denial, and dangerous dependencies. But through recovery, self-reflection, and a willingness to step outside his comfort zone, Carter found purpose, faith, and a new way to live. His story is raw, honest, and filled with moments that highlight the resilience of the human spirit—offering hope to anyone battling their own demons or searching for a second chance. This episode explores the courage required to rebuild your life from the ground up and the importance of supportive communities in healing. Carter’s experience serves as a reminder that recovery is not linear, but it is possible, and that even the most painful moments can spark transformation. Tune in for an inspiring, emotional, and eye-opening conversation that will stay with you long after it ends. Get your Living Clean Apparel: https://www.livingxcleanclothing.com/ #interview #thehopeaholics #redemption #recovery #AlcoholAddiction #AddictionRecovery #wedorecover #SobrietyJourney #MyStory #Hope #wedorecover #treatmentcenter #natalieevamarie 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/thehopeaholics Buy Merch: https://thehopeaholics.myshopify.com Visit our Treatment Centers: https://www.hopebythesea.com If 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: 00:18:25 - Early Life & Meeting His Stepdad 00:19:22 - Joining the Military & 9/11 Story 00:21:57 - First Deployment to Iraq 00:23:02 - Becoming a 240 Bravo Machine Gunner 00:24:01 - Getting Corrected on Rules of Engagement (“Carter motherfucker…”) 00:31:43 - First Traumatic Contact in Combat 00:32:24 - Frustration with Enemy Tactics (Using Schools/Religious Sites) 00:33:07 - Involuntary Extension & Leadership Role 00:34:33 - First Firefight Story (Saving His Lieutenant & Sgt) 00:42:39 - Story of Ambush During Iraq Snowstorm 00:44:48 - Addiction Progression After Leaving Military (“Carter hit me”) 00:57:21 - Feeling Welcomed in Recovery Meetings 00:59:04 - First Meeting as a Newcomer (Introduced as “Carter”) 01:09:40 - Carter Describes His Current Routine (Texting 30 Dudes Daily) 01:16:00 - Becoming a Secretary in Recovery (False Motivation to True Motivation)
Inside a Soldier’s Fight Beyond the Battlefield w/ Carter | The Hopeaholics Podcast #292
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The “Blanket of Love” That Changed Everything w/Geoffrey Blaylock | The Hopeaholics Podcast #291 In this episode of The Hopeaholics Podcast, we dig deep into the wild, emotional, and brutally honest life story of Geoffrey Blaylock, tracing his path from a childhood marked by Tourette’s and isolation to the gang-ridden streets where he searched for identity, connection, and escape. Geoffrey opens up about the first moments drugs entered his life, how heroin slowly rewired everything he thought he could control, and the dangerous world he got pulled into—crime, violence, homelessness, and the kind of chaos most people don’t survive. He also shares the spiritual encounter that stopped him in his tracks, the breaking point that forced him to confront who he’d become, and the long, uncomfortable rebuild through detox, recovery, self-awareness, and learning to lead others. It’s raw, gripping, and vulnerable, offering a rare look into not just addiction, but what it takes to claw your way back from absolute rock bottom. #thehopeaholics #redemption #recovery #AlcoholAddiction #AddictionRecovery #wedorecover #SobrietyJourney #MyStory #Hope #wedorecover #treatmentcenter #natalieevamarie 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/thehopeaholics Buy Merch: https://thehopeaholics.myshopify.com Visit our Treatment Centers: https://www.hopebythesea.com If 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 – Why Awareness Matters in Addiction 00:05:57 – His Instinct to Protect Others 00:29:24 – Childhood Pain and Isolation 00:30:56 – Joining a Punk Rock Gang 00:34:46 – Reconnecting With Old Neighborhood Friends 00:36:00 – First Time Trying Heroin 00:40:48 – Realization He’s Physically Addicted 00:41:27 – Getting Connected to Major Dealers 00:55:13 – How Prison Culture Shaped Him 01:00:00 – Robbing Dealers to Survive 01:05:27 – Heroin Stopping Working 01:07:41 – Homelessness and Hitting Bottom 01:09:24 – Entanglement With Motorcycle Club 01:10:46 – Powerful Spiritual Encounter 01:14:58 – Finally Asking for Help 01:20:22 – Becoming a Leader in Recovery 01:21:27 – Emotional Breakdown That Changed Him
The “Blanket of Love” That Changed Everything w/Geoffrey Blaylock | The Hopeaholics Podcast #291
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What Eating Disorders Don’t Tell You with Karina Chandler | The Hopeaholics Podcast #290 In this powerful episode of The Hopeaholics Podcast, guest Karina Chandler shares an extraordinary journey of resilience, vulnerability, and transformation. Opening up about her long battle with an eating disorder, complex PTSD, childhood trauma, substance use, and a harrowing medical crisis involving encephalitis and toxic mold exposure, Karina reflects on the years she spent suffering in silence while maintaining the appearance of a functioning professional and mother. She speaks candidly about how addiction, shame, and secrecy intertwined with her past, the collapse of her marriage, and her eventual rebuilding from the ground up as a single parent. Today, Karina finds strength in recovery, fitness-based community support, spirituality, and service, and she discusses how these practices not only helped her heal but also reignited her passion for helping others. This episode offers a raw, deeply human look at survival, self-discovery, and the courage to reclaim one’s life. #TheHopeaholics #redemption #recovery #AlcoholAddiction #AddictionRecovery #wedorecover #SobrietyJourney #MyStory #Hope #wedorecover #treatmentcenter #natalieevamarie 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/thehopeaholics Buy Merch: https://thehopeaholics.myshopify.com Visit our Treatment Centers: https://www.hopebythesea.com If 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: 00:13:39 – First Purge and Feeling “Powerful” 00:13:52 – Realizing the Eating Disorder Took Over Her Life 00:14:09 – Considering Surrendering to the Disorder While Driving 00:16:30 – Drinking at 17 and Being Introduced to Alcohol at Age 8 00:17:12 – Meeting Her Addicted Father for the First Time 00:17:29 – Her Father Showing Her Off Without Ever Making Amends 00:20:17 – Losing Her Developmentally Delayed Sister 00:24:20 – Working in a Prison Facility While Her Eating Disorder Spiraled 00:25:02 – Drinking, Binging, Purging, and Drunk Driving as a Daily Cycle 00:30:53 – Becoming a Clinical Director While Secretly Drinking Nightly 00:31:26 – Losing Her Career and Driving Uber Just to Survive 00:50:39 – Getting Her Second DUI After Months of Isolation 00:51:52 – Board Told Her She Must Get Sober to Restore Her License 00:53:01 – Sharing Trauma Stories While Climbing a Mountain in Recovery 01:07:06 – Crying While Realizing Her Pain Now Helps Others Heal
What Eating Disorders DON'T Tell You with Karina Chandler | The Hopeaholics Podcast #290
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"I Was Homeless for a Decade… and Still Survived" w/ Sean Speck | The Hopeaholics Podcast #289 In this intense and deeply personal episode of The Hopeaholics Podcast, Sean Speck opens up about a journey that few survive—years of addiction, homelessness, relapse, medical trauma, and ultimately, an unexpected path to redemption. Sean takes us through the harsh reality of smoking weed at 14, graduating high school addicted to meth, getting kicked out at 19, and spending nearly a decade homeless on the streets of Riverside. He talks openly about the first time he used a needle, the psychosis that consumed him, waking up in an industrial complex without his colostomy bag, and the terrifying moment doctors told him alcohol had destroyed his colon. Sean describes the collapse of his life as he relapsed again, eating 45–75 gas-station “heroin” pills a day, taking a “one-time” hit of heroin that pulled him right back into the cycle, and being forcibly taken to detox as his fiancée fought to save his life. But he also shares the moment everything shifted—calling from a park saying he was done, begging God to remove the obsession, reconnecting with his daughters, and learning to rebuild his life through honesty, humility, and real recovery. This episode is raw, vulnerable, heartbreaking, and absolutely inspiring. It's a reminder that even after years of darkness, there is still hope, still redemption, and still a way forward. #thehopeaholics #redemption #recovery #AlcoholAddiction #AddictionRecovery #wedorecover #SobrietyJourney #MyStory #Hope #wedorecover #treatmentcenter #natalieevamarie 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/thehopeaholics Buy Merch: https://thehopeaholics.myshopify.com Visit our Treatment Centers: https://www.hopebythesea.com If 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: 00:03:21 – High school addiction spirals: meth, pills, and hiding it from everyone 00:05:26 – Getting kicked out at 19 and starting life on the streets 00:06:18 – First time he tried heroin while homeless in Lake Elsinore 00:07:43 – Nearly a decade homeless in Riverside, stuck in the cycle 00:10:15 – The first time he ever used a needle and how everything changed 00:12:30 – Waking up in an industrial complex missing his colostomy bag 00:13:13 – Breaking down in a park and calling for help, “I’m done” 00:16:55 – Eating 45–75 gas-station “heroin” pills every day 00:17:47 – A “one time” heroin hit that turned into full relapse 00:19:08 – Fiancée orders friends to “kidnap” him into detox 00:20:14 – The moment Sean begged God to remove the obsession 00:21:27 – Doctors explain alcohol destroyed his colon 00:24:42 – Waking up with a colostomy bag at 30 years old 00:27:11 – Drinking again just one week after colon surgery
"I Was Homeless for a Decade… and Still Survived": Sean Speck | The Hopeaholics Podcast #289
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Inside the Mind of a Compulsive Gambler with Louis Ruggiero | The Hopeaholics Podcast #288 In this gripping episode of The Hopeaholics Podcast, Louis Ruggiero lays everything on the table as he shares his unbelievable journey through addiction, gambling, destruction, and redemption. From the moment he first sat at a blackjack table at just 15 years old and turned $200 into $9,000, Louis became hooked on the rush—a rush that would ultimately cost him over $10.2 million, countless relationships, and nearly his life. He opens up about his battles with opioids, alcohol, and gambling, his public downfall after a headline-making arrest in New York City, and the years of chaos that followed as he spiraled deeper into addiction while trying to hold onto a facade of success. Louis paints a vivid picture of the highs of Vegas suites, private jets, and massive wins, followed by the devastating lows of broken promises, debt, and suicidal thoughts. Yet through all the pain, he found redemption in recovery—turning to Gamblers Anonymous, Alcoholics Anonymous, and the 12-step program to rebuild not only his sobriety but his sense of purpose. Now, nearly a year sober from gambling and years clean from drugs and alcohol, Louis is using his platform and his podcast Nothing’s Off the Table to shine a light on the realities of addiction and the hope found in recovery. His story is brutally honest, deeply human, and serves as a reminder that no matter how far you fall, it’s never too late to change, heal, and rise again. #thehopeaholics #redemption #recovery #AlcoholAddiction #AddictionRecovery #wedorecover #SobrietyJourney #MyStory #Hope #wedorecover #treatmentcenter #natalieevamarie 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/thehopeaholics Buy Merch: https://thehopeaholics.myshopify.com Visit our Treatment Centers: https://www.hopebythesea.com If 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: 00:03:01 - Early Gambling Beginnings 00:05:10 - First Rehab and Substance Use 00:08:03 - Arrest and Public Scandal 00:11:24 - Friend’s Murder and Relapse 00:13:18 - Intervention and Trip to Sierra Tucson 00:14:26 - Move to LA and First Real Sobriety 00:15:25 - Making Money and Relapse into Gambling 00:17:05 - Losing $10.2 Million 00:18:20 - Vegas Escapades Begin 00:22:04 - Covid Collapse and Drinking Again 00:25:12 - Cirque Lodge and Colombia Spiral 00:29:49 - Fired and Hitting Rock Bottom 00:31:02 - Family Cuts Him Off 00:33:02 - Sobriety and New Sponsor 00:34:23 - Gambling Relapse During Sobriety 00:35:12 - Suicidal Thoughts and Confession 00:38:58 - Gamblers Anonymous and Financial Honesty 00:42:11 - Launching Podcast and Raising Awareness 00:44:39 - Making Amends and Working at Family Restaurant 00:45:03 - Balancing AA and GA Recovery 00:46:44 - Commitment to 12-Step Program and Spiritual Growth
Inside the Mind of a Compulsive Gambler with Louis Ruggiero | The Hopeaholics Podcast #288
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