Welcome to the Living Louder Podcast, where stories of resilience, transformation, and hope come to life. In this powerful episode, we sit down with Ricky Zazueta, also known as Smash, a man whose life journey is nothing short of extraordinary. From growing up in the rough neighborhoods of San Diego in a family with a history of gang involvement and incarceration, to turning his life around through faith, education, and relentless self-improvement, Ricky’s story is a testament to the power of inner strength and perseverance.
Throughout our conversation, Ricky shares candid insights about his early years, the struggles with addiction, and the dark places he found himself in. Despite these hardships, he made a conscious decision to change—learning to visualize success, build character, and embrace a new purpose. His dedication to personal growth is evident as he details his journey through prison, the importance of community support, and his efforts to give back by working within the correctional system to inspire others who are facing similar battles.
Ricky’s story highlights the significance of faith, resilience, and the importance of having a support system. He emphasizes that no matter how deep the darkness, there is always a way back through positive mindset, hard work, and faith in a higher power. His message is especially impactful for those struggling with addiction, incarceration, or family members who want to support loved ones on their path to recovery and redemption. His journey from darkness to light serves as a beacon of hope for anyone striving to rewrite their story.
Join us as we explore how one man’s determination to change not only transformed his own life but also opened doors for him to help others through motivational speaking, prison outreach, and community service. Ricky’s story is a reminder that our past does not define our future and that with faith, effort, and perseverance, everyone has the power to live louder and better than ever before.
#Resilience #Transformation #Hope #Inspiration #PrisonRecovery #SelfImprovement #Faith #InnerStrength #MentalHealth #AddictionRecovery
Join us on the Living Louder podcast as we delve into powerful stories of resilience, redemption, and transformation. In this episode, Sheri bravely shares her extraordinary journey from a childhood filled with trauma, addiction, and incarceration to finding hope and sobriety. Her story highlights the harsh realities faced by many who grow up in environments plagued by violence, substance abuse, and systemic challenges, yet also demonstrates the potential for healing and renewal through perseverance and support.
Sheri's narrative takes us through her tumultuous youth, including her experiences with foster placements, juvenile detention, and life on the streets. She recounts her time in various correctional programs and her struggles with addiction, highlighting how her environment shaped her decisions and mindset. Her honesty offers listeners a raw and authentic perspective on the cycle of trauma and the obstacles faced when trying to break free from it.
Throughout the episode, Sheri emphasizes the importance of accountability, community, and self-forgiveness in her recovery journey. She discusses her transformation after years of hardship, her commitment to sobriety, and her current work in the recovery field. Her story is a testament to the power of hope and the human capacity to change, even after hitting rock bottom, inspiring others to believe in their own potential for a better life.
This episode also explores themes of family, love, and resilience. Sheri reflects on her relationships with her children, her sisters, and the support systems that helped her turn her life around. Her journey underscores the importance of connection, understanding, and compassion in overcoming life's most difficult challenges. Listeners will come away with a renewed sense of hope and practical insights on how to support themselves or loved ones in similar situations.
Tune in to hear Sheri's compelling story of survival and redemption. Her resilience serves as a powerful reminder that despite life's hardships, change is possible, and everyone has the strength to create a new path. Whether you're in recovery, supporting someone on their journey, or simply looking for stories of hope, this episode is sure to inspire and uplift.
#LivingLouder #RedemptionStory #RecoveryJourney #Inspiration #TraumaToTriumph #Hope #Transformation #PrisonToPurpose
Welcome to the Living Louder podcast, where stories of resilience, faith, and transformation take center stage. In this heartfelt episode, host Portia is joined by her lifelong friend and sister-in-spirit, Lisa Bernson, for a candid and inspiring conversation about life's greatest challenges and the power of authentic connection. From their serendipitous meeting in a church ward to navigating the complexities of incarceration, addiction, and personal growth, Lisa and Portia share their journey of healing, forgiveness, and the unbreakable bonds of friendship.
Throughout the episode, Lisa and Portia reflect on the profound ways in which love and support can transform lives. Lisa recounts her experience visiting Portia in prison, emphasizing the importance of compassion, listening, and being present during life's most difficult moments. Their stories highlight the significance of owning one's mistakes, seeking divine guidance, and embracing a path of continuous growth. Their conversations serve as a reminder that no matter how dark the night, there is always a way back to hope, purpose, and peace.
In addition to their personal stories, the episode explores the everyday habits and simple acts that create lasting positive change. From daily routines like prayer and gratitude to the therapeutic joy of finding golf balls at night, Lisa shares how small, consistent actions can lead to profound transformation. The duo also discusses their shared commitment to community service, faith-based living, and supporting others in overcoming adversity. Their authentic dialogue encourages listeners to reflect on their own journeys and to remember that everyone has the capacity for renewal and redemption.
Lisa’s adventurous spirit shines through as she recounts her unique hobby of collecting and finding golf balls, which she describes as both therapeutic and meaningful. Meanwhile, Portia opens up about her emotional journey of returning home from prison, the humility she gained, and her resolve to rebuild her life grounded in faith and integrity. Together, they celebrate the beauty of second chances and the importance of owning one’s story with honesty and grace. Their conversation is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative power of love.
Join us for an uplifting episode filled with raw honesty, heartfelt friendship, and inspiring messages of hope. Whether you're facing your own struggles or simply seeking encouragement to live louder and truer, this conversation reminds us all that lives can be changed for good. Tune in to be inspired, uplifted, and reminded that no matter where you are in your journey, there is always a way forward.
#LivingLouder #Resilience #FaithAndForgiveness #TransformationJourney #FriendshipGoals #HealingStories #SecondChances #PersonalGrowth #Inspiration #CommunitySupport
Join us for an inspiring and heartfelt episode of the Living Louder podcast, where faith, redemption, and personal transformation take center stage. In this conversation, Ed shares his remarkable journey from a challenging childhood in Queens, New York, through years of addiction, reckless behavior, and feeling lost in life. His story takes a powerful turn when missionaries knock on his door, introducing him to the gospel of Jesus Christ. Ed’s experience of spiritual awakening and the life-changing moment when he prays and feels the Holy Spirit testify to him is a testament to the profound power of faith and divine intervention.
Throughout the episode, Ed emphasizes the importance of understanding our divine nature and the eternal perspective that religion and spirituality can offer. He discusses how his life was transformed by embracing Christ’s teachings, repentance, and service in the church, including his time as a bishop in Queens and his missionary service in San Diego. Ed also touches on how embracing diversity, love, and acceptance is at the core of his faith, regardless of past mistakes or societal labels. His message encourages everyone to see beyond their flaws and past sins, understanding that change and growth are always possible.
The conversation delves into the significance of personal development, meditation, and scripture study as tools for connecting with God and finding inner peace. Ed shares how practices like transcendental meditation, combined with prayer and scripture, have helped him navigate life's challenges and foster a deeper relationship with the divine. His insights highlight that true happiness comes from knowing who we are as children of God and loving others unconditionally. Whether you're religious or simply seeking inspiration, this episode offers valuable lessons on hope, resilience, and the transformative power of faith.
Tune in to hear these powerful stories, practical advice, and spiritual insights that remind us all of our divine potential. Ed’s journey from darkness to light serves as a beacon of hope for anyone struggling with their past or searching for meaning. Remember, no matter where you come from or what you've been through, change is always within reach, and you are loved beyond measure. Don’t miss this uplifting episode of Living Louder, and join us as we celebrate the eternal truth that we are all divine and connected through the love of Jesus Christ.
#LivingLouder #FaithJourney #RedemptionStory #SpiritualTransformation #DivinePotential #HopeAndResilience #JesusChrist #Inspiration
Welcome to the Living Louder podcast, where stories of redemption, faith, and transformation come to life. In this powerful episode, our guest Kyle King shares his incredible journey from a talented young golf champion on Hawaii’s Big Island to a life of addiction, incarceration, and ultimately, salvation through Jesus Christ.Kyle opens up about his childhood, his passion for golf, and how his dreams of fame and success were derailed by arrogance and bad choices. He recounts harrowing experiences in prison, including escape attempts, violence, and the profound moment of surrender that changed his life forever. Through faith, prayer, and God's grace, Kyle found freedom from addiction and a new purpose — to inspire others and share the transformative power of Jesus.Join us for an honest, heartfelt conversation about overcoming adversity, the importance of humility, and the incredible journey of redemption. Whether you're facing your own struggles or seeking hope and inspiration, Kyle's story reminds us all that no matter how dark the past, God's love can lead to a new beginning.Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe for more stories of hope, faith, and real-life transformation.#Redemption #Faith #Inspiration #MotivationalStory #PrisonToPurpose #LivingLouder
In this heartfelt and impactful episode of the Living Ladder podcast, Mom sits down with her son Jackson and good friend Chad to share their personal stories of hardship, resilience, and growth. Mom reflects on her time in prison, the challenges it brought to her family, and how they navigated those difficult years together. Jackson opens up about what it was like growing up with a parent in the criminal justice system, feeling lonely, building walls to protect himself, and how those experiences have shaped his outlook on life.Throughout the conversation, they discuss themes of compassion, understanding, and the importance of support from loved ones. Jackson shares how early responsibility and hard work helped him develop a strong work ethic and valuable life skills. They also talk about the shift in their perspectives, the importance of talking about tough experiences, and how surrounding themselves with positive influences has made a difference.This episode is a powerful reminder that even in life's darkest moments, there is hope, growth, and the possibility of a brighter future. Whether you're going through your own struggles or seeking inspiration, you'll find valuable lessons in resilience, forgiveness, and the strength of family bonds.Join us for an honest, vulnerable, and inspiring discussion about overcoming life's obstacles and finding hope on the other side.Subscribe and turn on notifications for more real stories, heartfelt conversations, and tools for overcoming adversity.
Welcome to the Living Louder podcast! In this heartfelt episode, we sit down with Sage Bernson to share her inspiring journey through life's challenges, faith, and growth. Sage opens up about her childhood, describing it as “magical” and full of travel, culture, and gratitude, shaped by a unique family dynamic. She reflects on her experiences growing up in the LDS church, her time in college away from Utah, and how stepping into new environments helped her understand that people of all faiths and backgrounds share more similarities than differences.We discuss the profound impact of her father’s passing at a young age, the importance of faith in navigating grief, and how her relationship with Christ helped her find peace and purpose. Sage also shares candid insights about her family’s experience with federal investigation, her mother’s unwavering support, and the lessons learned from going through such intense hardships.The conversation takes an eye-opening turn as Sage describes her experiences in federal prison, debunking common Hollywood stereotypes and offering a realistic glimpse into prison life. From navigating daily routines to understanding the respect and community among inmates, she provides a perspective that’s rarely seen.Throughout the episode, themes of resilience, kindness, and faith shine brightly. Sage emphasizes the importance of owning your story, learning from mistakes, and trusting that God's plan is always better than ours. Her words serve as a powerful reminder that even in our darkest moments, hope and love can transform us.Whether you're interested in faith, personal growth, or understanding the human side of difficult circumstances, this episode is sure to inspire. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this meaningful conversation.
In this powerful episode, Stacy and Chad dive into the importance of creating a second chances culture in the workplace. They share inspiring stories of individuals with criminal histories who have turned their lives around and emphasize why honesty, understanding, and open dialogue are crucial for both employers and job seekers. Discover how embracing second chances can transform your organization, foster compassion, and unlock incredible potential. Whether you're an HR professional, business leader, or someone reentering the workforce, this conversation offers valuable insights on breaking down barriers and building inclusive opportunities. Join us to explore the profound impact of giving people a fresh start and how it can positively change lives and communities.Links to StaceeWaking the Why Podcasthttps://linktr.ee/wakingthewhypodcastInstagramhttps://www.threads.com/@staceepedersen?xmt=AQF0ED3MLViEUNp4J3zfTzVoXKzRklRQW0BV1SUx68fW6f0
Join us for an inspiring and powerful conversation with Manny Lopez, a man whose life journey spans childhood trauma, foster care, gang involvement, incarceration, addiction, and ultimately, transformation. In this episode of the Living Louder podcast, Manny openly shares his story of resilience, faith, forgiveness, and the importance of living with integrity. Discover how Manny turned his hardest moments into opportunities for growth and how his work in recovery and community outreach is changing lives. Whether you're facing your own challenges or seeking motivation to overcome adversity, this episode is packed with wisdom, hope, and the undeniable message that everyone has the potential to level up and thrive. Tune in and be inspired to live louder!LinksLevel Up IOP - https://levelupiop.com/manny-lopez-program-director-level-up-iop/Odyssey House of Utah - https://www.odysseyhouse.org/TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@sl.manny.boy
In this heartfelt episode, Portia Louder shares her powerful story of incarceration, healing, and personal growth. From her early years and the challenges that led her to prison, to her experiences in multiple facilities across the country, Portia opens up about the struggles, hope, and unexpected lessons she learned along the way.Discover how she found connection, purpose, and faith in the most unlikely of places—prison. Portia discusses the importance of believing in others, leadership, and the transformative power of adversity. Join us as she reflects on her journey to self-discovery, forgiveness, and the incredible life she’s building post-release.Whether you're interested in personal development, redemption stories, or insights into the prison system, this episode offers inspiration and hope for everyone facing their own hard times.#feds #livinglouder #portialouder #storyteller #part2 #prisonstories
In this heartfelt episode of the Living Louder podcast, Portia Louder sits down with her oldest daughter, Shelby, to share an honest and emotional conversation about overcoming the challenges of a family impacted by addiction and incarceration. Shelby reflects on growing up in a complicated family dynamic, her resilience, and the strength it took to navigate her mother's journey through prison and recovery.Together, they discuss vulnerability, forgiveness, and the importance of supporting loved ones through difficult times. This inspiring dialogue offers hope, healing, and a reminder that even in the darkest moments, love and perseverance can lead to new beginnings.
This episode provides a candid, deeply personal account of the challenges, failures, and enduring love that sustained Portia and Chad Louder through addiction, financial disaster, criminal prosecution, imprisonment, and the long, difficult process of family reunification and restoration. Both the specifics of their choices and the universal themes of forgiveness, perseverance, and faith are explored in detail, serving as both testimony and encouragement to others facing overwhelming odds.
Kira Webb is my little sister. We discuss all things growing up in our crazy, fun, unstructured home. The question about what it's like to have your sister go to prison comes up. #prison #weird #sister #crazy #cat #fbi #realestate #fraud
Portia Louder is a motivational speaker and author. Yes, also an ex-con who served five years in federal prison. Portia gets real, speaking about her real life and how all of these hard experiences have taught her how to live. "I get to choose my own ending, it's going to be great," she says. Nothing is going to stop her now. #prison #fbi #federalprison #banks #fraud #livinglouder #portialouder #truecrime #redemption #comebackstory
