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.

Chris has a profound discussion with clinical director Allyson Pelletier. Allyson recounts her harrowing experiences with abuse and the pivotal moments that forged her path as a therapist specializing in trauma and addiction. The in-depth dialogue exposes the prevalence of predators within trusted institutions and underscores the crucial message for individuals to heed their intuition. Allyson discusses the intricacies of trauma, the healing power of therapy, and her focus on trauma amongst women and utilizing EMDR therapy. Allyson's journey from victim to healer and advocate offers hope for trauma survivors.

Chris welcomes Pej, who recounts his descent into drug culture and subsequent rise to sobriety. Pej's story spans from a drug-influenced clothing line to personal recovery, marked by interventions, homelessness, and spiritual awakening. Eventually, he committed to recovery and excelled in academia and addiction treatment. With over 16 years sober, Pej now mentors others, manages sober living homes, and hosts recovery-focused podcasts. His experiences shape a message of hope, emphasizing the transformative power of help and commitment to helping others through addiction recovery.

Chris welcomes Reverend Arlene to tackle the close-to-heart topics of addiction, recovery, and spiritual enlightenment. As a spiritual leader and mentor, Reverend Arlene unfolds her journey and commitment to aiding those in the throes of addiction. Arlene opens up about the power of self-love for healing, challenging misconceptions, and leading the Safe Harbor spiritual approach. This conversation celebrates the perseverance of the human spirit and the hope that lies in connection, empathy, and vulnerability.

Chris welcomes back Caelan for part 3 after over 90 days since their first interview. Caelan shares his remarkable progress in overcoming addiction and rebuilding his life with South Coast Counseling. He opens up about finding hope, maintaining physical fitness, and seeking spiritual growth. Caelan's inspiring transformation and reflections provide a message of resilience and optimism for those navigating similar challenges. This raw and honest conversation offers a glimpse into the profound changes that can occur in just 3 months with a dedicated commitment to personal growth and sobriety.

Despite struggling with addiction from a young age, Velvet founded Safe Harbor, a beacon for women combating substance abuse. Velvet's own experiences with trauma, learning difficulties, and her passion for creating a nurturing recovery environment are central. Conversations explore the growth of Safe Harbor, Velvet's commitment to service, and her transformative role within the recovery community. Join host Chris as he uncovers Velvet's path from addiction to pioneering the establishment of the second treatment center in Orange County.

Frankie Garcia joins South Coast Chronicles and shares his heartfelt story of family, addiction, and loss. Frankie opens up about his brother's tragic fentanyl overdose and the drive behind starting Two Lanes of Freedom. They dive into the stark reality of drug addiction and the importance of awareness, with Frankie shedding light on personal struggles and the broader societal issue. This episode offers a raw, intimate look at the real impact of the fentanyl crisis and Frankie’s journey from grief to advocacy.

Jeremy Jackson, who played Hobie on Baywatch alongside David Hasselhoff and Pamela Anderson, candidly details his tumultuous journey with addiction and his remarkable path to recovery. With nearly three years of sobriety, Jeremy reflects on his upbringing, acting career, and the consequential cycle of substance abuse that led to his spiritual awakening. Through insights into his daily life, his battles, and the peace found in surrender, this episode serves as a beacon of hope for those grappling with similar struggles.

Caelan rejoins the podcast for part two to reflect on reaching a vital 30-day milestone in his sobriety journey. The discussion takes a deep dive into the rigorous challenges Caelan faces during early sobriety and the supportive role that South Coast Counseling provides. This episode offers an earnest exploration of the steps toward long-term sobriety, the value of introspection, and the ongoing commitment required to maintain sobriety. We look forward to future discussions with Caelan to track his recovery journey.

We delve deep into the life of Lisa, a remarkable woman who maneuvered through the challenges of addiction while conquering vast professional milestones. From escaping the pull of addiction to becoming an attorney, completing a doctorate in theology, and diving into social entrepreneurship, it's a wild ride you don't want to miss. Lisa emphasizes the importance of self-discipline, the potential pitfalls within moments of vulnerability, and the importance of seeking help from others. This is a powerful story of addiction, relapse, recovery, and resilience.

From a troubled upbringing in East Texas to experiencing addiction from a young age, Camille shares the challenges she faced, including multiple arrests and a stint in a facility. However, Camille's story takes a turn when she finds solace in helping others recover and rebuild their lives. Tune in to hear about Camille's path to sobriety, the importance of family support, and the transformative power of hope and action in recovery.