In Episode 115 of Built By The Red Stick, hosts Ronnie LeDuff and Michael Oakley sit down with Tina Bass, CIT, for a powerful conversation about addiction, prison, consequences, faith, and the road to redemption.

Before becoming a recovery leader, Tina experienced homelessness, addiction, incarceration, and the possibility of losing nearly everything as a habitual offender. Her life began to change when she stopped running and surrendered.

In 2016, Tina co-founded Kingdom Recovery P31, a faith-based recovery program dedicated to helping people in prison and those struggling with addiction find treatment and support. She joined Second Chances Addiction Recovery Center in 2023 to pursue her dream of counseling and is currently working toward becoming a Certified Addiction Counselor.

Tina understands the darkness of the streets, but she also knows what it means to run toward the light and then reach back for someone else. Her story proves that your consequences may be real, but they do not have to be the final chapter.

**Real people. Real stories. Real recovery.**

Watch the full episode and leave us a comment telling us what part of Tina’s story stood out to you.

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**MEET OUR GUEST**

Tina Bass, CIT — Counselor in Training
https://secondchancesrehab.com/blog/team/tina-bass-cit/

Learn more about Tina:
https://tinabass.com/

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GET TINA’S BOOK

Tina’s book, Meet Me on the Other Side, is a raw, faith-based memoir about addiction, incarceration, consequences, making amends, and the relentless love of God.

Tina does not give readers a cleaned-up version of recovery. She shares the painful reality of addiction, the people who were affected by her choices, and the long process of rebuilding a life that addiction nearly destroyed.

The book is written for people currently struggling with addiction, those already in recovery, families who love someone who is struggling, and anyone searching for proof that redemption is still possible.

Purchase “Meet Me on the Other Side” on Amazon:
https://a.co/d/038LtIFX

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RECOVERY MONTH PHOTO CHALLENGE

Second Chances Addiction Recovery Center and *Built By The Red Stick* are teaming up for a special **Recovery Month Photo Challenge** throughout September!

Each week, share a photo that matches that week’s prompt:

**Week 1:** Something that brings you peace
**Week 2:** Someone who supports you
**Week 3:** A place that helps you recharge
**Week 4:** What hope looks like

**How to participate:**

• Post your photo on Facebook and/or Instagram
• Use **#MySecondChance**
• Tag Second Chances Addiction Recovery Center and Built By The Red Stick
• Follow both accounts

Everyone who participates will have an opportunity to be entered into a **random prize drawing at the end of September**.

Recovery is possible. You are not alone.

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**PROUDLY SPONSORED BY SECOND CHANCES ADDICTION RECOVERY CENTER**

A special thank-you to **Second Chances Addiction Recovery Center** for sponsoring this episode and supporting *Built By The Red Stick* during Recovery Month.

Second Chances is an adult, co-ed addiction recovery center in Rayville, Louisiana, providing hope, healing, and restoration to individuals and families affected by addiction.

**Programs include:**

• Residential and co-occurring treatment
• Medical detox
• Intensive Outpatient Program
• Family therapy
• Continuing aftercare
• Individualized treatment planning

**24/7 Information and Intake Line:**
833-780-3088

**Email:**
[[email protected]](mailto:[email protected])

**Address:**
161 Comeaux Road
Rayville, LA 71269

**Website:**
https://secondchancesrehab.com/

**Admissions:**
https://secondchancesrehab.com/admissions-process/

**Treatment Programs:**
https://secondchancesrehab.com/addiction-recovery-rehab-programs/

**Insurance, Medicaid and Payment Information:**
https://secondchancesrehab.com/insurance-medicaid-for-rehab/

**FOLLOW SECOND CHANCES**

Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/SecondChancesRehab

Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/secondchancesrehab/

LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/company/secondchances/

YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@secondchancesrecovery

**Second Chances Addiction Recovery Center — Not just a rehab, a refuge.**

#BuiltByTheRedStick #TinaBass #HabitualOffender #MeetMeOnTheOtherSide #MySecondChance #RecoveryMonth #SecondChances #AddictionRecovery #FaithBasedRecovery #RecoveryIsPossible #LouisianaRecovery #RonnieLeDuff #MichaelOakley

Support the show

https://linktr.ee/builtbytheredstick

In Episode 114 of Built By The Red Stick, hosts Ronnie LeDuff and Michael Oakley sit down with two women helping lead the fight against addiction at Second Chances Addiction Recovery Center: Riley McEacharn and Krystine Poindexter, RAC.

Riley serves as the Facility Administrator at Second Chances, overseeing operations while supporting the staff and clients throughout their recovery journeys. Her own spiritual and emotional recovery began in 2014, inspiring her passion for helping others find healing through personal growth, community support, and stronger family connections.

Krystine serves as Assistant Administrator and has worked in residential treatment since 2017. As a Registered Addiction Counselor, she is passionate about breaking the stigma surrounding addiction and helping individuals and families experience real transformation. She also serves as secretary for the Louisiana Recovery Coalition.

Together, Riley and Krystine discuss leadership, recovery, the challenges women face in behavioral healthcare, and what it takes to create a safe place where people can begin rebuilding their lives.

**Real people. Real stories. Real recovery.**

Tune in to hear their stories, and let us know what part of the conversation stood out to you. Thank you for the continued support! Click the link to watch the full episode and leave us a comment!

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**MEET OUR GUESTS**

**Riley McEacharn — Administrator**
https://secondchancesrehab.com/blog/team/riley-mceacharn-administrator

**Krystine Poindexter, RAC — Assistant Administrator**
https://secondchancesrehab.com/blog/team/krystine-poindexter-rac-assistant-administrator/

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**PROUDLY SPONSORED BY SECOND CHANCES ADDICTION RECOVERY CENTER**

A special thank-you to **Second Chances Addiction Recovery Center** for sponsoring this episode and supporting *Built By The Red Stick* during Recovery Month.

Second Chances is an adult, co-ed addiction recovery center located in Rayville, Louisiana. Their mission is to provide hope, healing, and restoration to individuals and families struggling with addiction.

**Programs include:**

• Residential and co-occurring treatment
• Medical detox
• Intensive Outpatient Program
• Family therapy
• Continuing aftercare
• Individualized treatment planning

Second Chances works with Medicaid, several major insurance providers, TRICARE West, and private-pay clients. Contact their admissions team directly to verify benefits and coverage.

**Information and Intake Line — Available 24/7:**
833-780-3088

**Email:**
[email protected]

**Address:**
161 Comeaux Road
Rayville, LA 71269

**Website:**
https://secondchancesrehab.com/](https://secondchancesrehab.com/

**Begin the Admissions Process:**
https://secondchancesrehab.com/admissions-process/

**Treatment Programs:**
https://secondchancesrehab.com/addiction-recovery-rehab-programs/

**Insurance, Medicaid and Payment Information:**
https://secondchancesrehab.com/insurance-medicaid-for-rehab/

**Contact Second Chances:**
https://secondchancesrehab.com/contact-second-chances/

**FOLLOW SECOND CHANCES**

Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/SecondChancesRehab

Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/secondchancesrehab/

LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/company/secondchances/

YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@secondchancesrecovery

**Second Chances Addiction Recovery Center — Not just a rehab, a refuge.**

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#BuiltByTheRedStick #WomenInPower #SecondChances #SecondChancesRehab #RileyMcEacharn #KrystinePoindexter #WomenInRecovery #RecoveryLeadership #AddictionRecovery #RecoveryMonth #RecoveryIsPossible #LouisianaRecovery #RonnieLeDuff #MichaelOakley

Support the show

https://linktr.ee/builtbytheredstick

In Episode 113 of Built by the Red Stick, Ronnie LeDuff and Michael Oakley sit down with Mike Boudreaux for an honest conversation about the experience that nearly cost him everything—and the second chance that gave him an opportunity to choose a different path.

Mike shares the story behind that life-changing moment, the lessons he carried forward, and why every chance at a better life matters. This is a powerful reminder that your worst moment does not have to become the end of your story.

PROUDLY SPONSORED BY SECOND CHANCES ADDICTION RECOVERY CENTER

A special thank-you to Second Chances Addiction Recovery Center for sponsoring this episode and supporting Built By The Red Stick during Recovery Month.

Second Chances is an adult, co-ed addiction recovery center located in Rayville, Louisiana. Their mission is to provide hope, healing, and restoration to individuals and families struggling with addiction.

Programs include:

• Residential and co-occurring treatment
• Medical detox
• Intensive Outpatient Program
• Family therapy
• Continuing aftercare
• Individualized treatment planning

Second Chances accepts Medicaid, several major insurance providers, TRICARE West, and private-pay clients. Contact their admissions team directly to verify benefits and coverage.

Information and Intake Line — Available 24/7:
833-780-3088

Email:
[email protected]

Address:
161 Comeaux Road
Rayville, LA 71269

Website:
https://secondchancesrehab.com/

Begin the Admissions Process:
https://secondchancesrehab.com/admissions-process/

Treatment Programs:
https://secondchancesrehab.com/addiction-recovery-rehab-programs/

Insurance, Medicaid and Payment Information:
https://secondchancesrehab.com/insurance-medicaid-for-rehab/

Contact Second Chances:
https://secondchancesrehab.com/contact-second-chances/

Download the Second Chances Brochure:
https://secondchancesrehab.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/SANEL-SCARC-Brochure-08142026-R1_8.19.26.pdf

Follow Second Chances:

Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/SecondChancesRehab

Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/secondchancesrehab/

LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/company/secondchances/

YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@secondchancesrecovery

Second Chances Addiction Recovery Center — Not just a rehab, a refuge.

Support the show

https://linktr.ee/builtbytheredstick

Episode 112 of Built By The Red Stick is one of those full-circle conversations.

Ronnie LeDuff and Michael Oakley sit down with Darrin Seal, Men’s Center Director at the Washington Street Hope Center in Marksville and an addiction counselor who knows firsthand what it means to need recovery—and what can happen when you finally give it a chance.

Darrin’s life didn’t always look like it does today. His story includes addiction, alcohol and cocaine, trouble with the law, and eventually reaching a point where something had to change.

Today, he’s sitting on the other side of that story helping other men find their own way out.

As Men’s Center Director at The Hope Center, Darrin now gets to walk alongside people during some of the same struggles he once faced himself. That makes this conversation different. He isn’t talking about addiction from a textbook. He’s talking about a life he lived.

Ronnie, Michael, and Darrin get into the ugly side of addiction, what recovery actually requires, and what it feels like when the life you once thought was over becomes a life you can use to help somebody else.

That’s what Built By The Red Stick is all about. Your worst chapter doesn’t have to be your last one.

🎧 Watch Episode 112 and hear Darrin Seal’s story of addiction, recovery, redemption, and what it means to turn around and help the next person behind you.

Looking for Help?

The Washington Street Hope Center has been serving individuals and families struggling with addiction in Marksville and throughout Louisiana.

Washington Street Hope Center
118 S. Washington Street
Marksville, LA 71351
(318) 253-8705

Subscribe to Built By The Red Stick, share this episode with somebody who needs it, and help us continue spreading the message that recovery is possible.

#BuiltByTheRedStick #DarrinSeal #TheHopeCenter #AddictionRecovery #RecoveryIsPossible #RecoveryPodcast #SoberLife #RonnieLeDuff #MichaelOakley

Support the show

https://linktr.ee/builtbytheredstick

This special episode brings a little podcast crossover to Built By The Red Stick as Ronnie LeDuff and Michael Oakley welcome Andrew and Taylor Gautreau from Louisiana Legends.

Louisiana Legends is built around something we can definitely relate to—sitting down with real people and letting them tell the stories you probably aren't going to hear anywhere else. Their show has featured everyone from musicians and athletes to law enforcement, former inmates, local personalities, and people connected to some pretty wild pieces of Louisiana history.

This episode is a chance to get to know the people behind the show.

Andrew and Taylor talk with Ronnie and Michael about how Louisiana Legends came together, what makes a great guest, some of the crazy stories they've already encountered, and what they've learned from sitting across the table from people with completely different backgrounds.

And when you put four podcasters in the same room, you know the conversation isn't staying on track for very long.

There are plenty of laughs, stories from behind the microphones, and some real conversation about why giving people a place to tell their story matters.

It's also a cool example of two Louisiana podcasts doing their own thing but ultimately chasing something pretty similar: real conversations with real people.

🎧 Tune in to Episode 112 of Built By The Red Stick featuring Andrew and Taylor Gautreau of Louisiana Legends.

Go show some love to Louisiana Legends and check out what they're building as well.  @TheLouisianaLegendsPodcast  

Real stories. Real people. Real recovery.

#BuiltByTheRedStick #LouisianaLegends #AndrewGautreau #TaylorGautreau #LouisianaPodcast #BatonRouge #PodcastCrossover #RonnieLeDuff #MichaelOakley

Support the show

https://linktr.ee/builtbytheredstick

Episode 111 of Built By The Red Stick welcomes Laurent Lobell to the studio for another real conversation about addiction, recovery, and just how much life can change when you finally decide to do something different.

Ronnie LeDuff and Michael Oakley sit down with Laurent to hear his story in his own words. They talk about the chaos of the past, the consequences that come with addiction, and what it looks like trying to build a completely different life on the other side of it.

But like most BBRS episodes, this isn't an hour of sitting around feeling sorry about the past.

There are plenty of laughs, some wild stories, and those moments where Ronnie and Mike can relate a little too well to what the guest is talking about.

That's one of the things we love about recovery. Eventually, some of the things that once felt like the end of the world become stories you can look back on, learn from, laugh about, and maybe even use to help the next person.

Episode 111 is about owning where you've been without letting it determine where you're going.

🎧 Watch the full episode, subscribe to Built By The Red Stick, and share Laurent's story with somebody who needs to hear that life really can look different.

Real stories. Real people. Real recovery.

Looking for Help?

If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, The Hope Center has been serving individuals and families across Louisiana since 1990 with compassionate, evidence-based addiction treatment.

📍 Washington Street Hope Center
118 S. Washington Street
Marksville, LA 71351

📞 (318) 253-8705

🌐 www.marksvillehopecenter.com

Recovery starts with one phone call. Don't wait to ask for help—there is hope, and you don't have to face addiction alone.


#BuiltByTheRedStick #LaurentLobell #AddictionRecovery #RecoveryPodcast #RecoveryStories #SoberLife #RecoveryIsPossible #RonnieLeDuff #MichaelOakley

Support the show

https://linktr.ee/builtbytheredstick

Episode 110 of Built By The Red Stick welcomes Rebecca Turner to the studio for a real conversation about life, recovery, the things we go through, and what happens when we finally start moving forward.

Ronnie LeDuff and Michael Oakley sit down with Rebecca and give her the floor to tell her story in her own words—the good, the bad, the lessons learned, and the experiences that helped shape the person she is today.

That's what this show has always been about. Not perfect people. Not polished stories. Just real people willing to talk about the things most of us would rather keep hidden.

There are plenty of laughs along the way, but there are also moments that remind us why sharing these stories matters. You never know when something you've survived might be exactly what somebody else needs to hear.

Episode 110 is another reminder that your past may be part of your story, but it doesn't have to write the ending.

🎧 Watch the full episode, subscribe to Built By The Red Stick, and share this one with somebody who might need it.

Real stories. Real people. Real recovery.

Looking for Help?

If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, The Hope Center has been serving individuals and families across Louisiana since 1990 with compassionate, evidence-based addiction treatment.

📍 Washington Street Hope Center
118 S. Washington Street
Marksville, LA 71351

📞 (318) 253-8705

🌐 www.marksvillehopecenter.com

Recovery starts with one phone call. Don't wait to ask for help—there is hope, and you don't have to face addiction alone.

#BuiltByTheRedStick #RebeccaTurner #AddictionRecovery #RecoveryPodcast #RecoveryCommunity #RecoveryIsPossible #RonnieLeDuff #MichaelOakley

Support the show

https://linktr.ee/builtbytheredstick

In Episode 109 of Built By The Red Stick, hosts Ronnie LeDuff and Michael Oakley welcome Steve Burgess, Operations Manager at The Hope Center in Marksville, Louisiana, for a NEW installment of the Meet Your Sponsor series.

Steve has spent years helping ensure that The Hope Center continues its mission of restoring lives through quality addiction treatment and recovery support. Since opening its doors in 1990, The Hope Center has helped thousands of men and women begin new lives through its 12-Step, Recovery Dynamics-based residential treatment program, intensive outpatient services, and strong alumni community.

In this conversation, Steve gives listeners a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to keep a long-standing treatment center operating day after day. From serving clients and supporting staff to creating an environment where recovery can thrive, he shares how every role inside a treatment center contributes to changing lives.

Ronnie, Michael, and Steve also discuss why recovery is about more than completing a program—it's about building a community, finding purpose, and creating a support system that continues long after treatment ends. The Hope Center's alumni network and commitment to ongoing recovery are just a few of the ways they continue serving individuals and families across Louisiana.

Whether you're seeking treatment, supporting someone in recovery, or simply want to understand how treatment centers operate behind the scenes, this episode offers a unique perspective on the people working every day to make recovery possible.

🎧 Tune in to Episode 109 to hear Steve Burgess share his heart for recovery, leadership, and the mission of The Hope Center.

Thank you for supporting Built By The Red Stick. Click the link to watch the full episode, subscribe to the channel, and leave us a comment!

Looking for Help?

If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, The Hope Center has been serving individuals and families across Louisiana since 1990 with compassionate, evidence-based addiction treatment.

📍 Washington Street Hope Center
118 S. Washington Street
Marksville, LA 71351

📞 (318) 253-8705

🌐 www.marksvillehopecenter.com

Recovery starts with one phone call. Don't wait to ask for help—there is hope, and you don't have to face addiction alone.

#BuiltByTheRedStick #SteveBurgess #TheHopeCenter #RecoveryPodcast #MeetYourSponsor #AddictionRecovery #RecoveryCommunity #RonnieLeDuff #MichaelOakley

Support the show

https://linktr.ee/builtbytheredstick

In Episode 108 of Built By The Red Stick, Ronnie LeDuff and Michael Oakley sit down with Jarvis Fountaine, a counselor, recovery advocate, and community resource coordinator who has taken his own experiences and turned them into an opportunity to help others.

Jarvis doesn't just talk about addiction recovery from the outside looking in. He has publicly shared his own experiences with substance misuse and now uses those experiences to have honest conversations with young people and adults about addiction, mental health, stigma, and what can happen when we keep everything bottled up.

Today, Jarvis works in counseling and community outreach, helping connect people with resources while also speaking openly about prevention and the importance of creating places where people can actually talk about what they're going through.

This conversation gets into addiction recovery, men's mental health, the pressure many men feel to stay quiet when they're struggling, and what happens when somebody finally decides to ask for help.

Jarvis's story is another example of something we talk about constantly on this show: your past doesn't have to be wasted. The things you've been through can become the very things that allow you to reach somebody else.

Tune in to Episode 108 for a real conversation about addiction, recovery, mental health, giving back, and what it means to use your story for something bigger than yourself.

Support the show

https://linktr.ee/builtbytheredstick

 In Episode 107 of Built By The Red Stick, hosts Ronnie LeDuff and Michael Oakley sit down with Ann Matassa for a deeply personal conversation about domestic violence, survival, and finding the strength to finally break free.

Ann opens up about the reality of living in an abusive relationship—the bruises she covered, the excuses she made, and the complicated reasons people sometimes stay in situations that others looking from the outside may not understand.

This conversation goes beyond asking, "Why didn't you just leave?" It explores the fear, manipulation, isolation, and emotional weight that can keep someone trapped in the cycle of domestic violence. Most importantly, Ann shares her journey from being a victim to becoming a survivor and finding hope on the other side.

Ronnie and Michael give Ann the space to tell her story in her own words, creating an honest conversation about a subject that is often hidden behind closed doors.

"Covering Bruises & Making Excuses: From Victim to Survivor" is a powerful reminder that you never truly know what someone may be going through—and that speaking up can be the first step toward helping someone else realize they aren't alone.

Tune in to Episode 107 for Ann Matassa's story of survival, courage, and finding a way forward.

#BuiltByTheRedStick #DomesticViolenceAwareness #SurvivorStory #FromVictimToSurvivor #TraumaRecovery #Healing #RonnieLeDuff #MichaelOakley 

Support the show

https://linktr.ee/builtbytheredstick