Get a Grip Podcast

Get a Grip Podcast

By Louis Essig and Aaron GarnesSociety & CulturePersonal Journals
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Get a Grip Podcast episodes

  • How I Survived Over 20 Years Of IV Drug Use And 4 Prison Stays | Ep 76

    In this powerful episode, hosts Louis and Aaron sit down with Bryan Sparks, a man whose story feels like it could have been pulled straight from a tragic movie—but with an ending filled with hope and redemption.Bryan’s life took a dark turn at just 13 years old when he faced a trauma no child should ever have to endure: finding his best friend dead from an overdose. That heartbreaking moment set the tone for years of chaos, pain, and survival. From there, Bryan’s journey spiraled into a life consumed by drugs, crime, and broken trust. His addiction eventually landed him behind bars, staring at prison walls and wondering if this was all his life would ever be.But against all odds, Bryan fought his way back. He didn’t just survive—he completely transformed his life. Through grit, resilience, and the willingness to change, Bryan found sobriety and a new purpose. Today, he dedicates his time to giving back, using his scars and hard-earned wisdom to guide others who are still trapped in the same darkness he once lived in.This conversation is raw, unfiltered, and deeply inspiring—and it just might be one of the best interviews we’ve ever done. Bryan’s honesty about his prison time, his battles with addiction, and his path to freedom makes this episode unforgettable.This isn’t just a story of recovery—it’s proof that no matter how broken someone’s past may be, redemption is always possible, and there’s always hope for a new beginning.🔥 Expect emotion. Expect truth. Expect hope.🔔 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more powerful stories on addiction, recovery, and resilience.Get a Grip Podcast Social Media: Find our TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeart Radio links, a more on our Link Tree below!Get a Grip Social Media Links: https://linktr.ee/officialgetagrippodcast👇 Let us know your thoughts in the comments.

    1 hr 43 min
  • From 13-Year-Old Trailer Park Dealer to Using Every Drug Imaginable to How I Recovered | Ep 75

    In this powerful episode, hosts Louis and Aaron sit down with Devin Nunamaker, a man whose story takes us deep into the chaos of early addiction and the hope of true recovery. Devin was first introduced to drugs at just 12 years old, starting with what seemed harmless but quickly spiraling out of control. By 13, he was already using heroin—an unimaginable reality for someone barely entering their teenage years.

    From that point on, Devin’s life became a blur of institutions, jail cells, and near-death experiences. He spent years wondering what was wrong with him, trying to figure out how he could possibly break free from the grip of addiction. Each attempt at change only seemed to lead him deeper into the cycle, leaving him more lost, broken, and questioning if there was ever a way out.

    But today, Devin’s story has taken a new turn. For the first time in his life, he is truly getting sober at House of Hope, a local rehab facility where he’s learning to rebuild from the inside out. With honesty and raw emotion, Devin shares what it was like to grow up in addiction, the countless mistakes and struggles along the way, and the surprising moments of clarity that kept him hanging on.

    This episode isn’t just about addiction—it’s about redemption, survival, and the fight to finally reclaim a life once thought lost. Devin’s journey is a reminder of how deep the hole of addiction can go, but also how powerful recovery can be when a person is ready to embrace it.

    Tune in to hear Devin’s wild, heartbreaking, and inspiring story—from his troubled childhood to his first steps toward freedom today.🔥 Expect emotion. Expect truth. Expect hope.🔔 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more powerful stories on addiction, recovery, and resilience.Get a Grip Podcast Social Media: Find our TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeart Radio links, a more on our Link Tree below!Get a Grip Social Media Links: https://linktr.ee/officialgetagrippodcast👇 Let us know your thoughts in the comments.

    1 hr 34 min
  • I Got Arrested In Front Of My Whole Town With 50 Bags Of Hero!n and Became Walmarts Most Wanted | Ep 74

    Step up to the plate for a powerful and raw conversation with hosts Aaron and Louis as they sit down with Brent King, a former all-star ball player whose life took a turn no one expected. Brent grew up with talent, discipline, and a future full of promise on the field—but behind the glory, darkness was waiting. At just 13 years old, he slipped into the grip of opiates, a choice that would alter the trajectory of his entire life.It wasn’t long before Brent’s addiction pulled him into the streets, and his world changed forever. He experienced his first SWAT raid as a teenager, getting arrested while the entire town watched in shock. That moment was only the beginning of a vicious cycle of addiction, arrests, and chaos that followed him for years.But Brent’s story doesn’t end in tragedy—it’s one of redemption and resilience. Today, Brent has rebuilt his life and taken all the pain, lessons, and scars from his past and turned them into fuel to help others. He now works at House of Hope Treatment Facility, walking alongside men and women who are where he once was. Using his lived experience, Brent gives people the guidance, hope, and strength they need to believe recovery is possible.This interview dives deep into the raw realities of addiction—the highs, the lows, the consequences, and ultimately the miracle of recovery. Brent’s story is a testament that no matter how far someone falls, there is always a way back.Tune in as Aaron and Louis uncover the real-life journey of a hometown athlete turned advocate, and discover how one man’s battle with addiction became the foundation for helping countless others find freedom.🔥 Expect emotion. Expect truth. Expect hope.🔔 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more powerful stories on addiction, recovery, and resilience.Get a Grip Podcast Social Media: Find our TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeart Radio links, a more on our Link Tree below!Get a Grip Social Media Links: https://linktr.ee/officialgetagrippodcast👇 Let us know your thoughts in the comments.

    1 hr 39 min
  • My Brutal Truth Of Opiate Addiction And How Hard It Really Is To Get Clean | Ep 73

    In this unfiltered and fast-moving episode, hosts Louis and Aaron sit down with Amanda Bosley, a woman whose story is a wild ride through survival, struggle, and ultimate redemption. Amanda grew up caught between chaos at home and the hard realities of life on the streets, where every day felt like a gamble. She learned quickly how to navigate danger, adapt to unpredictable situations, and keep going when most would have given up.Her journey took a darker turn when she fell into the grip of opiates. The high quickly became a prison, and when Amanda realized she couldn’t handle the spiral any longer, she turned to Suboxone, thinking it would be her way out. For 14 years, Suboxone was a constant in her life — but the storm didn’t stop. The drama, the danger, and the mayhem followed her like a shadow.Through all the chaos, Amanda fought her way toward something better. Kicking Suboxone wasn’t just a decision — it was a battle that tested every ounce of her strength and willpower. Today, she’s not only sober, she’s thriving — living proof that even after years of turbulence, you can take back control and create a life worth living.This conversation is raw, real, and at times even funny, as Amanda opens up about her wildest moments, the lessons she learned the hard way, and the mindset that keeps her moving forward. From rock bottom to an inspiring new chapter, Amanda’s story is a testament to resilience, courage, and the human capacity for change.If you’ve ever wondered what it really takes to leave behind years of addiction, rebuild your life, and finally find peace, this is the episode to watch.🔥 Expect emotion. Expect truth. Expect hope.🔔 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more powerful stories on addiction, recovery, and resilience.Get a Grip Podcast Social Media: Find our TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeart Radio links, a more on our Link Tree below!Get a Grip Social Media Links: https://linktr.ee/officialgetagrippodcast👇 Let us know your thoughts in the comments.

    2 hr 17 min
  • How He Went From Pawning, Forging Checks, to Scamming John Deere For 50k to Fuel His Oxy Addiction | Ep 72

    In this electrifying episode, Aaron and Louis sit down with Ben Sheets—a man whose life has been anything but ordinary. Ben grew up in an affluent neighborhood, the picture-perfect student-athlete with a bright future ahead. But behind the trophies and the smiles, trouble was brewing.It started innocently enough—just weed and alcohol at first—but Ben’s thirst for the next high quickly escalated to opiates. Before long, he was stealing from the very people who loved and trusted him, burning bridges and burying himself deeper in addiction’s grip.Then came the day that should have ended it all. A surge of electricity—powerful enough to kill—shot through his body, a jolt that could have been his last moment on Earth. But somehow, Ben survived. And that wasn’t the only close call in his wild and dangerous journey.Today, Ben is a completely different man—sober, grateful, and truly happy. He opens up about the highs, the lows, and the unthinkable moments that shaped his path. This is a story of privilege, destruction, survival, and redemption that will leave you stunned.If you think you’ve heard it all, think again.🔥 Expect emotion. Expect truth. Expect hope.🔔 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more powerful stories on addiction, recovery, and resilience.Get a Grip Podcast Social Media: Find our TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeart Radio links, a more on our Link Tree below!Get a Grip Social Media Links: https://linktr.ee/officialgetagrippodcast👇 Let us know your thoughts in the comments.

    1 hr 46 min
  • He Was Exposed to Drugs by 6, Then Survived Addiction, Crime, and Prison | Ep 71

    In one of the rawest and most jaw-dropping episodes to date, Louis sits down with Patrick McCombs—a man whose life began in chaos and spiraled into the darkest corners of addiction, crime, and prison politics.By the age of six, Patrick had already been exposed to sex and drugs—thrust into a world no child should ever experience. With no real sense of safety or guidance, he grew up fast and hard. What followed was a storm of street life, robberies, and eventually time behind bars. But prison wasn’t just about doing time—for Patrick, it became a dangerous game of survival. Targeted by other inmates, he was forced to "check in" and navigate the brutal unwritten rules of prison life.But the story doesn’t end there.Today, Patrick is a man on a mission. Clean, sober, and creating content that peels back the curtain on the realities of addiction and incarceration, he’s using his voice to reach others still trapped in the cycle he escaped. His story is gritty, painful, and brutally honest—but it’s also one of transformation, self-respect, and redemption.If you're into real stories with no sugarcoating, this episode will hit you in the gut and stick with you long after it ends.🔥 Expect emotion. Expect truth. Expect hope.🔔 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more powerful stories on addiction, recovery, and resilience.Get a Grip Podcast Social Media: Find our TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeart Radio links, a more on our Link Tree below!Get a Grip Social Media Links: https://linktr.ee/officialgetagrippodcastPatricks Socials:Tik Tok: https://tiktok.com/@packyvisionstvFaceBook: https://www.facebook.com/share/19Z5KrzQVw/?mibextid=wwXIfrYouTube: https://youtube.com/@UC3Svnty1X6uAy2MT4XWmOgg 👇 Let us know your thoughts in the comments.

    1 hr 4 min
  • From the Sticks to Hittin' Licks — How He Lost Everything to Oxy And H | Ep 70

    In this raw and revealing episode, Aaron and Louis sit down with Tony Newton—a man whose journey into addiction started in the quiet backwoods but spiraled into chaos that took him to the brink of destruction.

    Tony grew up in a decent, hardworking family in the sticks, with no early signs that he’d one day become trapped in a cycle of addiction, crime, and incarceration. But when Oxycontin entered his life, everything changed.What began as casual use quickly turned into full-blown dependency.

    Tony talks about how the pills stopped working and how that hunger led him down darker roads—smoking heroin, stealing from anyone who would trust him, and doing whatever it took to avoid the pain of withdrawal. From breaking into houses to sleeping in trap spots, Tony’s life became a blur of mugshots, jail cells, and near-death experiences.Now, with just over 90 days clean, Tony is starting to see a glimmer of hope. He shares the struggles of early recovery, the moments of clarity behind bars, and what’s finally different this time.

    This isn’t just a story about rock bottom—it’s about grit, truth, and the early days of building something real.Tune in for a conversation that’s unfiltered, emotional, and brutally honest. Whether you’re in recovery, know someone who is, or just want to understand what it’s really like out there, Tony’s story will hit you hard—and leave you rooting for his redemption.
    🔥 Expect emotion. Expect truth. Expect hope.

    🔔 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more powerful stories on addiction, recovery, and resilience.Get a Grip Podcast Social Media: Find our TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeart Radio links, a more on our Link Tree below!

    Get a Grip Social Media Links: ⁠https://linktr.ee/officialgetagrippodcast⁠⁠


    👇 Let us know your thoughts in the comments.

    1 hr 54 min
  • I Was Born From Sexual Assault and This is the Toll it Took on my Life | Ep 70

    In this deeply moving and thought-provoking episode, Louis and Aaron sit down with the extraordinary Melroe—a woman with a story unlike any other. Born into trauma and chaos, Melroe opens up about her earliest memories of pain, confusion, and the challenges of growing up in an environment that left deep emotional and spiritual scars. She shares how her traumatic childhood shaped not only her survival instincts but also her entire worldview.Melroe doesn’t just reflect on the past—she explains how those early life experiences unlocked something powerful within her. Now a practicing psychic, she uses her gift to help others heal and connect. In a captivating twist during the episode, Melroe offers live psychic readings for both Louis and Aaron, revealing hidden truths and emotional breakthroughs in real time.This episode is raw, mysterious, and unforgettable—an exploration of pain, resilience, and the unseen forces that guide us. Whether you’re a believer or a skeptic, Melroe’s journey and her intuitive insights will leave you questioning what’s possible.🔥 Expect emotion. Expect truth. Expect hope.🔔 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more powerful stories on addiction, recovery, and resilience.Get a Grip Podcast Social Media: Find our TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeart Radio links, a more on our Link Tree below!Get a Grip Social Media Links: https://linktr.ee/officialgetagrippodcast⁠👇 Let us know your thoughts in the comments.

    1 hr 47 min
  • My Wife was Murdered Dexter Kill Room Style and This is How I Stayed Sober | Ep 69

    In this powerful and deeply moving episode, Aaron and Louis sit down with a true legend of the Cleveland recovery community—Don Matis Jr.. Known throughout the city and beyond as a living example of resilience, wisdom, and raw honesty, Don’s story is unlike anything you’ve heard before.Don’s journey into addiction began shockingly early—at just 10 years old, he was already snorting glue, unknowingly stepping onto a path that would wind through the darkest corners of the Cleveland drug scene for decades.

    From the gritty streets of the Midwest to far-off corners of the world, Don’s life became a whirlwind of chaos, crime, and survival. But somewhere along the way, he found a spark—one that would grow into nearly 40 years of uninterrupted sobriety.Don doesn’t just talk about recovery—he embodies it. In this episode, he shares stories that will shake you, inspire you, and stay with you. From witnessing the slow death of his old self to experiencing the kind of personal transformation most people only dream of, Don opens up about what it really means to rebuild a life from ashes.

    But even in sobriety, life hasn’t spared Don from pain. In one of the most heartbreaking parts of his story, Don talks openly about the brutal murder of his wife, and how he managed to walk through that unthinkable trauma without picking up a drink or a drug. His strength, his spiritual insight, and his unwavering dedication to helping others make him not just a survivor, but a mentor to thousands and a pillar in the community.Whether you're in recovery, know someone who is, or just want to hear the kind of story that reminds you what humans are capable of, this episode is a must-watch. Strap in—this is raw, real, and unforgettable.

    🔥 Expect emotion. Expect truth. Expect hope.

    🔔 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more powerful stories on addiction, recovery, and resilience.Get a Grip Podcast Social Media: Find our TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeart Radio links, a more on our Link Tree below!Get a Grip Social Media Links: https://linktr.ee/officialgetagrippodcast👇 Let us know your thoughts in the comments.

    Dans Socials:

    https://stonedonhappiness.comhttps://www.instagram.com/stonedonhappiness

    1 hr 53 min
  • He Started Using OC-80's With The Host of our Show at 15 Years Old | Ep 69

    From high school halls to hospital beds, jail cells, and the edge of death—Alex Panzera’s story is one of brutal honesty, quiet resilience, and the relentless fight to stay alive.In this gripping and emotional episode, we dive into the life of Alex, who first experimented with OxyContin at just 15 years old. What began as a casual escape quickly unraveled into a nightmare. Within a few short years, Alex was fully consumed by heroin addiction, chasing a high that always left him lower than before. As his world spiraled out of control, the drugs weren’t enough—and alcohol soon joined the picture, leading to a vicious, all-consuming run with the bottle that nearly cost him everything.For years, Alex existed in survival mode—burning bridges, numbing pain, and losing himself one hit at a time. He masked the chaos with a smile, kept secrets buried under layers of intoxication, and slowly slipped away from the person he used to be. But even in the darkness, something inside him refused to give up. Rock bottom wasn’t a single moment—it was a pattern, a slow-motion collapse that demanded a new way of living or an early grave.Now newly sober, Alex is doing what many don’t see: the hard, daily work of rebuilding. He’s showing up—raw, vulnerable, and willing to face the damage, the trauma, and the wreckage head-on. His story isn’t wrapped in a bow; it’s messy, painful, and ongoing. But that’s what makes it powerful.In this episode, Alex opens up about his first experiences with opioids, the destructive grip of heroin, and the false comfort alcohol offered at his lowest points. He reflects on the people he lost, the lies he lived, and the strength it takes to finally say, "I want more from life."This isn’t just another addiction story—it’s a front-row seat to the beginning of a comeback. Whether you’re in recovery, love someone who is, or just need a reminder that transformation is possible, Alex’s journey will leave you inspired, humbled, and filled with hope.🔥 Expect emotion. Expect truth. Expect hope.🔔 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more powerful stories on addiction, recovery, and resilience.Get a Grip Podcast Social Media: Find our TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeart Radio links, a more on our Link Tree below!Get a Grip Social Media Links: https://linktr.ee/officialgetagrippodcast👇 Let us know your thoughts in the comments.

    1 hr 21 min

About Get a Grip Podcast

From the publisher's feed

Get a Grip Podcast is hosted by Louis Essig and Aaron Garnes, both in recovery from addiction and alcoholism. In each episode, they share their unfiltered stories of overcoming addiction, time in…

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