feral but sober

In today’s episode, I’m sharing the story of someone I respect deeply — my friend Shiloh. He’s part of my TikTok community, and he’s one of those people you can always count on to show up with steady, level‑headed advice and a whole lot of heart. But the life he came from… most people wouldn’t have survived it.

Shiloh’s story starts with abandonment. His mother left when he was a baby, and he was handed off to a father who was deep in addiction. By the time Shiloh was 12, his dad was letting him shoot meth. At 15 or 16, he was cooking it, selling it at school, and hustling money out of the concession stand with a friend. His behavior spiraled so far out of control that his aunt used her connections to get him into a youth ranch. It went okay for a while — until a fight ended with Shiloh stabbing another boy. The wound was superficial, but it was enough to send him to prison for the first time.

When he got out, nothing had changed. Same dad. Same drugs. Same chaos. Jail became a pattern. Even when he tried to settle down with the mother of his first child, the stealing and using never stopped. He missed his first child’s birth, and that moment hit him hard. He swore he’d never go back to jail again — and he kept that promise — but sobriety was still a long way off.

Things got even messier when Shiloh, an ex, her new partner, and all the kids ended up living under one roof. Jealousy, chaos, and crime took over. They were running a whole operation together until the cops showed up. They didn’t have a warrant the first time, but Shiloh knew they’d be back. He got out of there, but the damage was done. His kids went into the system, and that was the moment that broke him open. That was the moment he said, “Enough.”

Shiloh went into treatment and did something most people don’t — he completed every requirement and then went beyond it. He fought for his kids, and he got them back. Today, he’s raising all five children on his own. Both mothers are mostly out of the picture, but Shiloh shows up every single day. He’s active in church, grounded in recovery, and determined to break the cycle that nobody broke for him.

He tells his kids the truth: “You lived my addiction. You’re part of my recovery.”

Shiloh is one of the most open, vulnerable, emotionally honest men I’ve ever met. He reaches out to people who are struggling, he doesn’t hide his past, and he uses his story to lift others up. I’m proud to know him, and I’m honored to share his journey with you

In this episode of Feral But Sober, Joseph steps into the light to tell a story most people wouldn’t survive, let alone speak out loud. His earliest memory is rolling weed for his parents at just four years old. By the time he was a child, he had already endured sexual abuse, neglect, and a home where violence was the language spoken daily. When he moved in with his father—an explosive alcoholic—Joseph was treated less like a son and more like an animal, sleeping in a cage with dogs, eating dog food, and bracing himself for the nightly beatings.

Today on Feral But Sober, I sat down with my girl Kizzy from The New Foundation Recovery Speaks — and she opened up in a way that was raw, honest, and unbelievably powerful.

In this episode of Feral But Sober, I sit down with Ember—a new friend I met on TikTok Live just a few weeks ago—who showed up ready to tell the truth about motherhood, addiction, relapse, and rebuilding.

In Part 2 of Tyler’s story, we dive into the complicated and emotional battle surrounding his beloved service animal. After the dog bit his mother—requiring medical care—the large breed was detained by animal control. Though they agreed to release the animal after the mandatory hold, Tyler’s parole officer declared it a “vicious dog” and insisted he could not have it back. Tyler shares the raw details of reclaiming his companion anyway, and the looming threat of parole violation that hangs over him. Despite the risk, he believes the judge will see his side and not send him back to jail.

In this inspiring episode, I sit down with Still Here 91324, the founder of a grassroots recovery foundation that’s already changing lives across his state. His mission is simple but ambitious: to create a network of support that eventually expands into every state, with a partner in each location running their own branch of the foundation. It’s a vision of nationwide solidarity, built from the ground up by someone who knows firsthand what service means.

In Part 2 of Derrick’s powerful story, we pick up where we left off—at one of the most pivotal crossroads of his life. Derrick shares the heartbreaking moment of losing his mother and the complicated choices that followed, including the day he stood in the parking lot of a treatment center, ready to check in, only to turn back after his ex asked him to come home instead. Twice he faced that same moment, and twice he chose differently.

In this powerful episode, I sit down with Dave—the creative force behind the board game Relapse vs Recovery and its expansion pack, as well as the unique coloring books designed specifically for people in recovery. Dave’s work is more than just creative projects; it’s a bold statement about turning lived experience into tools for healing, reflection, and even laughter in the face of struggle.

Dave opens up about his own journey through addiction, jail time, and rehab, sharing how those experiences shaped his vision for recovery-focused art and games. We talk about the risks he took in publishing Relapse vs Recovery, including the fallout at his former job where he was fired under claims of “dual relationships” if clients at the recovery center purchased his game. Despite the setback, Dave continues to push forward, creating resources that challenge stigma and spark conversation in unconventional ways.

This episode dives deep into the intersections of creativity, recovery, and resilience. From the expansion pack that adds new layers to his board game, to the coloring books that give alcoholics a way to process and express themselves, Dave’s projects are proof that recovery can be rebellious, innovative, and unapologetically real.

Whether you’re in recovery, supporting someone who is, or simply curious about how art and play can transform lives, Dave’s story will leave you inspired, challenged, and reminded that recovery isn’t just about surviving—it’s about creating.

Tonight’s episode brings together two powerful voices in recovery and faith. Jessica returns to share how she and her husband have walked the path of sobriety side by side, finding strength in each other and in their recovery community. Joining her is Paula Wilson, pastor of Redeemed Outreach (ROAR) Church in Maysville, KY, a recovery‑based ministry where faith and healing meet. Paula is also a Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor and counselor at Mountain Comprehensive Care Center, blending professional expertise with spiritual guidance.

Tyler’s story is one of resilience, faith, and determination. Born into an abusive home, he often stepped in to protect his younger siblings until CPS intervened, splitting the children between grandparents who gave them safer lives. Despite finding stability and excelling in sports, Tyler’s teenage years took a sharp turn — experimenting with drugs and alcohol, dropping out of school, and spiraling into IV drug use.