This is one of the best interviews I've had the honor to do so far as the host of this podcast. It's a powerful story of tragedy and hope from a now jail chaplain, almost 70 years old, about his 3 decades of drug addiction, overcoming it by the power of God, and now helping other addicts and homeless like he was.

After a brief introduction and talking about logging more running miles than ever (but I'm not addicted to running), we start the chat (5:23) with Chaplain Neil Richardson. He describes what he went through overcoming 30 years of cocaine addiction when he lived in Miami. He tried to do it all by himself, kept using, then finally gave his life to Jesus. This son of an alcoholic mom went from being a "successful addict" with his own business and living an evil lifestyle that led to being divorced and homeless...to rebuilding his life and body, getting to be a father again to his 3 sons.

(11:06) Cocaine became his idol, more important than his family and job. A conversation with his one of his sons ripped his heart out and was a turning point for this addict. Chaplain Neil said it also helped to have his enabler wife kick him out, then for a pastor to walk him through the drug recovery process. (15:45) In the "Fast 4," we learn about this Chaplain of the Muscogee County Jail (Columbus GA) and executive director of SafeHouse Ministries who leaves home every day at 4:20am to walk 3 miles, lifting weights at lunch, as a private person who lives with fish. He gives us 3 things to do in life thanks to 1 Thessalonians 5.

Why did he leave Miami for Columbus, GA? (19:15) It has to do with him getting a flesh-eating disease, selling cars, and another jail to volunteer at. (22:59) Chaplain Neil breaks down his typical day behind bars, with many requests from inmates for spiritual help. How does his perspective as a former addict help him reach these inmates? He describes their "faith based dorms" in the jail too.

(26:57) We all know someone dealing with drug addiction. Whether that's you or a family member or friend, this chaplain gives us keys to success for recovery, including tough love rules, boundaries, and consequences (some good). Nobody wants to be an addict, but are they willing to do what it takes to quit?

On the other side now, (32:56) Neil Richardson is helping homeless through his SafeHouse Ministries, which he started so that people getting out of jail will have a better chance of staying out of jail. it includes shelter, a substance abuse program, and help getting a job. The goal is to give people hope.

(40:24) Fitness is important too. Chaplain Neil wakes up before 4am daily so he can have 3 hours to do his private time with the Lord, walk/exercise, pray, all to be spiritually and physically ready for the day. And now he's a healthy and sober father (about to be a grandfather), welcomed years ago back into the family. He talks about David in the Bible and hoe God accepts us "AS IS."

(46:05) After Chaplain Neil's closing prayer, (49:30) our final segments are "Food for Thought" about exercise helping with substance use disorders and a "Parting Gift" about getting out of our comfort zone.

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