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In this episode of the Addiction Recovery Podcast, hosts Ronnie LeDuff and Michael Oakley welcome Whitney Prejean, a Residential Counselor at Serenity Treatment Center in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
Whitney works on the front lines of addiction recovery, walking alongside individuals during some of the most challenging moments of their lives. In this conversation, she shares what it’s like to support clients in a residential setting—where healing begins with structure, honesty, and consistent care.
She opens up about the importance of building trust, creating a safe environment, and helping people rediscover their worth after addiction. Whitney also talks about how recovery is more than just getting sober—it’s about learning how to live again, rebuild relationships, and find purpose beyond the pain.
Ronnie and Michael dive into the realities of early recovery, the role of counselors in guiding that process, and why compassion and accountability go hand in hand when it comes to lasting change.
HUGE Thank you to Serenity Treatment Center of Louisiana
If you or someone you know needs help you can find them here!
https://theserenitycenterla.com/
The Serenity Treatment Center
2325 Weymouth Drive, Baton Rouge, LA 70809
Serenity Treatment Mid City Center
216 South Foster Drive, Mid-City Baton Rouge, LA 70806
Tel: (225) 320-5643
🎧 Tune in to Episode 90 to hear Whitney’s perspective on recovery, growth, and the impact of showing up for others every single day.
Thank you for the support! Click the link to watch the full episode and leave us a comment!
Support the show
https://linktr.ee/builtbytheredstick
In this episode of the Addiction Recovery Podcast, hosts Ronnie LeDuff and Michael Oakley sit down with Jarrod Seguin, a counselor at Serenity Treatment Center in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
Jarrod brings both passion and purpose to his work in addiction recovery. Known for his compassion and dedication, he has been recognized for the impact he makes in clients’ lives—helping guide them toward positive change and encouraging them to become the best version of themselves.
In this conversation, Jarrod opens up about what it means to answer a calling in recovery work, how faith and purpose can shape a person’s path, and the importance of meeting people where they are during their most difficult moments. His perspective highlights the power of patience, encouragement, and genuine care in helping individuals break free from addiction and rebuild their lives.
Whether you’re in recovery, supporting someone who is, or simply looking for real insight into what happens inside a treatment center, this episode delivers honesty, hope, and a reminder that change is always possible.
HUGE Thank you to Serenity Treatment Center of Louisiana
If you or someone you know needs help you can find them here!
https://theserenitycenterla.com/
The Serenity Treatment Center
2325 Weymouth Drive, Baton Rouge, LA 70809
Serenity Treatment Mid City Center
216 South Foster Drive, Mid-City Baton Rouge, LA 70806
Tel: (225) 320-5643
🎧 Tune in to Episode 89 to hear Jarrod’s story, his heart for helping others, and the impact one person can make in the recovery journey.
Thank you for the support! Click the link to watch the full episode and leave us a comment!
Support the show
https://linktr.ee/builtbytheredstick
In this episode of the Addiction Recovery Podcast, hosts Ronnie LeDuff and Michael Oakley welcome Cherie Guidry, the Clinical Director at Serenity Treatment Center of Louisiana in Baton Rouge.
Cherie has been part of the Serenity team since it opened in 2014 and has worked in the addiction field since 2012, growing through several roles including mental health technician, admissions, inpatient counselor, intensive outpatient counselor, assistant clinical director, and now Clinical Director.
She holds dual licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and Licensed Addiction Counselor (LAC), and earned her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Southeastern Louisiana University followed by a Master’s in Professional Counseling from Liberty University.
In this conversation, Cherie shares what it looks like to lead a treatment team helping individuals rebuild their lives after addiction. She talks about the importance of compassionate care, individualized treatment, and creating a supportive environment where people feel safe enough to begin healing. At Serenity Treatment Center, the approach focuses on treating the whole person through therapy, recovery support, and structured programs designed to break the cycle of addiction.
Ronnie, Michael, and Cherie dive into the realities of addiction treatment, the work that happens behind the scenes in recovery programs, and why long-term healing is possible when people are given the right tools and support.
HUGE Thank you to Serenity Treatment Center of Louisiana
If you or someone you know needs help you can find them here!
https://theserenitycenterla.com/
The Serenity Treatment Center
2325 Weymouth Drive, Baton Rouge, LA 70809
Serenity Treatment Mid City Center
216 South Foster Drive, Mid-City Baton Rouge, LA 70806
Tel: (225) 320-5643
🎧 Tune in to Episode 88 to hear Cherie’s insight into clinical leadership, recovery care, and how dedicated professionals help people take their first steps toward a new life.
Support the show
https://linktr.ee/builtbytheredstick
In this episode of the Addiction Recovery Podcast, hosts Ronnie LeDuff and Michael Oakley welcome Mario Mendizabal from Serenity Treatment Center in Baton Rouge, Louisiana for a powerful conversation about recovery, outreach, and turning personal transformation into service for others.
Mario’s journey into recovery is deeply personal. After finding freedom from addiction himself, he now dedicates his time to helping others find hope and healing through his work with Serenity Treatment Center. Mario often shares his story publicly to encourage people struggling with addiction and to show that recovery is truly possible.
Through his outreach efforts, Mario has spoken at community events and even participated in programs with the Louisiana Department of Corrections during Recovery Month, using his story to inspire individuals who may feel like they have no way out.
In this episode, Mario talks with Ronnie and Michael about what it takes to rebuild your life after addiction, the importance of community support, and why sharing our stories can literally save lives. His story is a reminder that recovery doesn’t just change one life—it creates a ripple effect of hope for others.
HUGE Thank you to Serenity Treatment Center of Louisiana
If you or someone you know needs help you can find them here!
https://theserenitycenterla.com/
The Serenity Treatment Center
2325 Weymouth Drive, Baton Rouge, LA 70809
Serenity Treatment Mid City Center
216 South Foster Drive, Mid-City Baton Rouge, LA 70806
Tel: (225) 320-5643
🎧 Tune in to hear Mario’s journey, his mission with Serenity Treatment Center, and why he believes every person deserves a second chance at life.
Thank you for the support! Click the link to watch the full episode and leave us a comment!
Support the show
https://linktr.ee/builtbytheredstick
In this episode of the Addiction Recovery Podcast, hosts Ronnie LeDuff and Michael Oakley welcome Brittney Smith for a powerful and honest conversation about addiction, mental health, and the path toward recovery.
Brittney opens up about the realities of addiction and the emotional struggles that often come with it, including depression and the challenges many people face before they ever reach recovery. She also discusses the importance of awareness and why access to education and support can make the difference between life and death in the addiction crisis.
Throughout the episode, Brittney shares her perspective on healing, resilience, and the power of speaking openly about addiction. Her story is a reminder that recovery isn’t just about sobriety—it’s about rebuilding your life, finding support, and helping others understand that hope is always possible.
Whether you’re in recovery, supporting someone who is, or simply looking to better understand the journey, this episode brings real conversation and encouragement for anyone navigating the road to healing.
🎧 Tune in to Episode 86 and hear Brittney’s perspective on recovery, awareness, and why sharing our stories can save lives.
Thank you for the support! Click the link to watch the full episode and leave us a comment!
#builtbytheredstick #podcast #holisticaddictionrecovery #addictionrecovery #interview #youtubeshorts #talkshow
Support the show
https://linktr.ee/builtbytheredstick
In this episode of the Addiction Recovery Podcast, hosts Ronnie LeDuff and Michael Oakley sit down with Dr. Younger, a clinical leader with TrueFreedom Recovery Center in Covington, Louisiana—a recovery-focused organization dedicated to helping people overcome addiction through connection, support, and holistic care.
Dr. Younger brings a wealth of experience working with individuals and families navigating the complexities of substance use and healing. In this conversation, he talks about the importance of creating safe, judgment-free environments where people feel seen and supported from detox through long-term recovery. You’ll hear real insight into how treatment works, how clinical leadership shapes recovery programs, and why compassionate care makes all the difference on the hardest days of the journey.
Whether you’re walking your own path in recovery, supporting someone you love, or simply curious about how recovery services operate from the inside, this episode offers grounded, encouraging perspective from someone deeply involved in the field.
🎧 Tune in to Episode 84 to hear Dr. Younger’s perspective on addiction, healing, and the role community plays in long-term recovery.
HUGE Thank you to TrueFreedom for Sponsoring this episode!
If you or someone you know needs help you can find them here!
https://www.restorefree.com
709 E North Pl. Amite, LA 70422
Tel: 985-289-5264
[email protected]
#builtbytheredstick #podcast #holisticaddictionrecovery #quitnicotine #addictionrecovery #podcastclips #youtubeshorts #interview #quitvaping #addictiontreatment
Support the show
https://linktr.ee/builtbytheredstick
In this episode of the Addiction Recovery Podcast, hosts Ronnie LeDuff and Michael Oakley sit down with Dr. Younger, a clinical leader with TrueFreedom Recovery Center in Covington, Louisiana—a recovery-focused organization dedicated to helping people overcome addiction through connection, support, and holistic care.
Dr. Younger brings a wealth of experience working with individuals and families navigating the complexities of substance use and healing. In this conversation, he talks about the importance of creating safe, judgment-free environments where people feel seen and supported from detox through long-term recovery. You’ll hear real insight into how treatment works, how clinical leadership shapes recovery programs, and why compassionate care makes all the difference on the hardest days of the journey.
Whether you’re walking your own path in recovery, supporting someone you love, or simply curious about how recovery services operate from the inside, this episode offers grounded, encouraging perspective from someone deeply involved in the field.
🎧 Tune in to Episode 84 to hear Dr. Younger’s perspective on addiction, healing, and the role community plays in long-term recovery.
HUGE Thank you to TrueFreedom for Sponsoring this episode!
If you or someone you know needs help you can find them here!
https://www.restorefree.com
709 E North Pl. Amite, LA 70422
Tel: 985-289-5264
[email protected]
#builtbytheredstick #podcast #holisticaddictionrecovery #quitnicotine #addictionrecovery #podcastclips #youtubeshorts #interview #quitvaping #addictiontreatment
Support the show
https://linktr.ee/builtbytheredstick
In this episode of the Addiction Recovery Podcast, hosts Ronnie LeDuff and Michael Oakley welcome Liam and Landin Vincifora, brothers representing TrueFreedom Recovery Center, for their first appearance on the show.
This powerful conversation explores what it means to walk the recovery journey not only as individuals, but as family. As brothers involved in the recovery community, Liam and Landin share their perspective on accountability, loyalty, responsibility, and the strength that comes from standing side by side in the fight against addiction.
They discuss the importance of community support, how recovery impacts the entire family system, and why having people who truly understand your journey can make all the difference. Their story highlights that addiction recovery isn’t just about personal transformation — it’s about restoring relationships, rebuilding trust, and creating a future rooted in purpose.
This episode is a reminder that recovery is stronger when it’s shared, and that brotherhood — whether by blood or by community — can be one of the greatest assets in healing.
🎧 Tune in to Episode 83 for an honest, grounded conversation about family, recovery, and what it takes to build freedom together.
Thank you for the support! Click the link to watch the full episode and leave us a comment!
HUGE Thank you to TrueFreedom for Sponsoring this episode!
If you or someone you know needs help you can find them here!
https://www.restorefree.com
709 E North Pl. Amite, LA 70422
Tel: 985-289-5264
[email protected]
#addictionrecovery #builtbytheredstick #trufreedom #TrueFreedomRecoveryCenter #recoverycommunity #RonnieLeDuff #michaeloakley #hopeinrecovery
Support the show
https://linktr.ee/builtbytheredstick
In this episode of the Addiction Recovery Podcast, Ronnie LeDuff and Michael Oakley are joined by Jess LaMonte from TrueFreedom Recovery Center, an addiction resources center based in Covington, Louisiana dedicated to helping people find lasting freedom from addiction.
Jess brings real-world insight and heartfelt perspective on recovery work, community support, and what it really takes to begin healing. Together with Ronnie and Michael, Jess discusses the strength needed to step into recovery, the importance of treating both addiction and underlying mental health challenges, and why creating a judgment-free environment changes lives.
This conversation isn’t just about recovery theory—it’s about hope, lived experience, and practical encouragement for anyone walking their own journey or loving someone through theirs. Whether you’re in early recovery, long-term recovery, or supporting someone on the path, Episode 82 reminds you that freedom is possible and you don’t have to walk it alone.
🎧 Tune in to hear Jess’s perspective and the mission of TrueFreedom Recovery Center in action.
HUGE Thank you to TrueFreedom for Sponsoring this episode!
If you or someone you know needs help you can find them here!
https://www.restorefree.com
709 E North Pl. Amite, LA 70422
Tel: 985-289-5264
[email protected]
#AddictionRecovery #BuiltByTheRedStick #JessLaMonte #TrueFreedomRecoveryCenter #RecoveryCommunity #RonnieLeDuff #MichaelOakley #HopeInRecovery
Support the show
https://linktr.ee/builtbytheredstick
In this episode of the Addiction Recovery Podcast, Ronnie LeDuff and Michael Oakley sit down to catch up after the weekend and talk about the snowstorm that never showed up in Baton Rouge. From weather hype to real life, the conversation is relaxed, honest, and full of laughs.
They also introduce viewers to a new studio room at Rhea Media, sharing what the move means for the podcast and how growth—both personally and professionally—continues to shape the show. As always, the discussion stays rooted in recovery, accountability, and showing up even when things don’t go as planned.
This episode is a reminder that recovery isn’t always heavy—it’s about connection, consistency, and finding humor in everyday moments while staying grounded.
🎧 Tune in to Episode 81 for real talk, fresh energy, and a behind-the-scenes look at what’s next for Built By The Red Stick.
HUGE thank you to Palmetto Recovery Center for sponsoring this video!
https://palmettocenter.com/contact-palmetto-recovery/
318-728-2970
86 Palmetto Road, Rayville, Louisiana 71269
#builtbytheredstick #podcast #holisticaddictionrecovery #quitnicotine #addictionrecovery #youtubeshorts #interview #addictiontreatment
Support the show
https://linktr.ee/builtbytheredstick
From the publisher's feed
Built By The Red Stick Podcast brings you real, sometimes controversial but much needed conversations. We bring you special guests each week to tackle the hard truths about the effects of drugs,…