In this action-packed and soulful episode of Back Alley Chat, join host Allie Severino as she sits down with the dynamic and resilient Jess Gero. A passionate lover of jam band music and an active participant in the Phish Phellowship, Jess has been immersing herself in the world of Phish and other jam bands for over 20 years.

However, Jess's journey hasn't been without its challenges. She faced the heartbreaking loss of her mother and grandmother, as well as other personal struggles. Despite these hardships, Jess's love for dance and zest for life fueled her determination to keep pushing forward.

Unfortunately, her world took a drastic turn when her inheritance was stolen, sending her on a downward spiral. She lost her job and was on the verge of losing her home. But Jess's story doesn't end there. In a remarkable comeback, she managed to reclaim her life, resurrect her nursing career, and set off on incredible adventures around the globe.

Through her incredible resilience and positive spirit, Jess has embraced her identity as an adopted individual and found solace in the power of community and music. She now lives her best life, spreading joy and positivity wherever she goes.

Join Allie Severino and Jess Gero in this exhilarating episode as they delve into Jess's journey of loss, redemption, and ultimate triumph. Discover how Jess's love for soulful experiences, her passion for dance, and her unwavering spirit have propelled her to live life to the fullest and embrace the world with open arms.

Join us for an exciting new episode of Back Alley Chat, sponsored by Quick Intel, as we shake things up with a fresh format and a thrilling giveaway! In this week's episode, we delve into intriguing topics like the challenges of dry/sober dating, the complexities of political correctness and its impact on addressing homelessness, and even dare to imagine what we would do if we were the president.

But that's not all! We conclude the episode with a captivating interview featuring Xavier Alston, a signed R&B and pop artist who's voice will blow you away! Get ready to be inspired by his journey and mesmerized by his soulful music.

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To be entered into the giveaway make sure to subscribe and comment down below! The winner, who will be chosen at random, will be revealed next week!! You be eneterd twice if you also follow us on instagram @backalleychat and comment on the giveaway post! Good luck!!

Join us in Episode 11 of 'Back Alley Chat' as Allie Severino sits down with Maranda Maus, a courageous mother, widow, TikTok influencer, and advocate for non 12-step recovery. In this deeply personal interview, Maranda opens up about her journey of healing, challenging traditional approaches to addiction recovery, and the unexpected experience of fame on TikTok.

In 2020, Miranda welcomed her second child into the world with her long-time partner, Cody. Tragically, just three months later, Cody lost his battle with addiction to an opioid overdose. Maranda, who had struggled with substance use before and during her pregnancy, found herself having to seek treatment per DCF order. Even Though the circumstances were not ideal, this opportunity gave her a starting point to turn her life around. Inspired to share her experiences and help others, Maranda turned to TikTok, where her authentic and relatable content quickly gained traction. Cody's passing afforded her the opportunity to finally speak freely about her struggles. She has amassed a substantial following, connecting with people from all walks of life who resonate with her story of recovery, resilience, and personal growth.

Rather than following a traditional 12-step program, Maranda explores alternative approaches to recovery, including medication-assisted treatment. She shares the tools and strategies that have worked for her, all while staying true to her authentic self and navigating the challenges of newfound popularity on TikTok. Despite not being completely abstinent from drugs and alcohol, Maranda has successfully tapered off substances like Adderall and Klonopin. Currently working as a house cleaner in Warren, Michigan, she continues to rebuild her life and thrive on her unique recovery journey, while using her platform to inspire and uplift others.

Tune in to this inspiring episode as we delve into Maranda's story, discussing the power of social media, the influence of TikTok fame, and the possibilities of non 12-step recovery. Prepare to be moved by Maranda's unexpected journey to recovery.

Thank you to our sponsor Quick Intel for supporting our mission of bringing inspiring and epic recovery journeys to our listeners.

On this compelling episode of Back Alley Chat, Host Allie Severino dives deep into the inspiring story of Chef Marco Morillo. Discover how Chef Marco, a culinary master, loving father, and devoted husband, triumphed over his battle with ICE addiction to find culinary excellence, reunite with his family, and embark on a mission of spreading a message of recovery through his podcast "By All Means Necesary (BAMN) real recovery talk" This Episode is sponsored by Quick Intel. Quick Intel: a utility token on the Arbitrum blockchain is on a mission to make crypto safer by providing advanced AI tools to help users do their own research (DYOR) more effectively. If you are interested in using their tools and accessing the information they provide to enhance your cryptocurrency research and trading, I recommend visiting their website for detailed information and instructions Quickintel.io

Jaime Bridges grew up in Central Florida. Knowing addiction ran in her family she was always vigilent to stay on the right track. Being a start sports player, Jaime reciveved a scholarship and eventually became a police officer. After multiple injuries on the job, Jaime would became addicted to opioids. This would lead to her eventually loosing her badge and having to re define her future. Jaime is now a LCSW and works at Orlando Health where she assists those who come through the ER with treatment resources. Her story is unbelievable and I hope you all enjoy the Journey!

Get ready for a special episode of Back Alley Chat as Host Allie Severino takes the hot seat. Warning: brace yourself for an unfiltered conversation as Allie dives into her past and fearlessly recounts her wild ride, recounting the unconventional twists and turns that led her on her path to recovery. With a healthy dose of wit, Allie delves into the sometimes humourous mishaps, escapades, and unexpected detours as well as answers audience questions.With unwavering honesty, Allie shares her experiences, revealing the challenges she faced and the pivotal moments that shaped her path. So sit back and enjoy this Back Alley Chat Switcheroo with Allie and featuring Kristina Pinelli.

On this episode of Back Alley Chat, we're joined by Jeff Bowman, a trailblazer in the world of natural wellness and a leading expert on kava. Jeff's journey is nothing short of remarkable, from opening the first kava bar in the mainland US to wandering the jungles of Vanuatu and becoming one of the largest kava suppliers in the country.

In this episode, we'll dive deep into the world of kava, exploring its history, traditional uses, and potential benefits. Jeff shares his firsthand experiences with kava, including his time spent at nakamals - the traditional meeting places for drinking kava in the South Pacific.

We'll also discuss the legal issues and controversy surrounding kratom, a plant that has been the subject of much debate in recent years. Jeff shares his insights on the pros and cons of kratom, and sheds light on the current legal landscape surrounding this controversial substance.

Whether you're a kava enthusiast or simply curious about this pacific island native plant, this episode is packed with valuable information and fascinating insights. Join us for a lively and informative conversation with Jeff Bowman, as we explore the many benefits of kava, the controversy around kratom, and the fascinating journey of a true pioneer in the field of natural wellness.

In this episode, host Allie Severino sits down with Tim Roberto, a former Marine who struggled with addiction and homelessness before finding sobriety in Florida. Today, Tim is 16 years sober and a passionate advocate for first responders who face mental health and addiction challenges. Tim's "Stomping Out the Stigma" initiative seeks to break down the stigma surrounding mental health and addiction in the first responder community, and he's made it his mission to help others find the same hope and healing he's experienced. We'll hear Tim's inspiring story of overcoming addiction, homelessness, and stigma, and learn about his work to support first responders and change the conversation around mental health and addiction. Tune in to discover the power of one person's journey to make a difference in the lives of many.

Get ready to be inspired by the incredible story of Lauren Hunnewell! From growing up with two parents in and sometimes out of recovery to taking a leap of faith and moving to New York City with nothing but a dream at 25, Lauren's journey is one of courage, determination, and resilience. Despite facing numerous challenges, including setbacks in her corporate career, Lauren never gave up on her passion for personal development and freedom. Through hard work, dedication, and a willingness to start over, she has emerged as a successful entrepreneur and expert in her field. In this episode, Lauren shares her powerful insights and lessons learned along the way, offering invaluable advice for anyone looking to unleash their full potential. So, whether you're facing obstacles in your personal or professional life, don't miss out on this incredible conversation with Lauren Hunneywell. Tune in now!

In this episode of Back Alley Chat, host Allie Severino sits down with her friend Kristina to discuss her journey from broken and broke to thriving. Kristina shares her story of resilience and recovery, starting with her decision to seek drug treatment after a traumatic assault. Along the way, she found love and support in an unexpected place - rehab - and eventually married her partner. But after years of infidelity and toxic behavior, Kristina found herself divorced and starting over. With the help of her support system and her own inner strength, she built a new life for herself and her daughter, finding financial independence and personal growth. Join Allie and Kristina as they discuss how Kristina learned to love and value herself, overcome heartbreak and betrayal, and build a life worth thriving for. This episode is a powerful testament to the power of women supporting women, and the resilience that can be found in even the toughest of circumstances.