From a childhood marked by trauma and instability to multiple incarcerations, heroin addiction, and even surviving a gunshot to the head—Rick opens up about the chaos that defined his past and the redemption he’s found in recovery.
Rick reflects on the moment he finally surrendered on February 5, 2008, and how that surrender sparked a transformation that's helped him become a community leader, father, and advocate. He shares how meaningful work—including launching Redemption House and running recovery housing for over a decade—continues to give his life purpose.
🔥 Key Topics Covered:
- Rick’s early life and introduction to drugs at age 13
- Escaping a wilderness program and his first encounters with the justice system
- Surviving a near-fatal shooting during a robbery gone wrong
- Going to prison—and later choosing recovery while incarcerated
- Getting clean in 2008 and rebuilding his life
- The power of service, connection, and purpose in recovery
- The creation and impact of Redemption House, a safe bridge for those who relapse
- How one redemption bed can save the state $141,000/year
- Inspiring success stories of people who found hope through recovery housing
- The role of CCAR and recovery coaching in sustained wellness
00:00 Introduction and Host Backgrounds
00:32 Rick's Early Life and Family Struggles
01:25 Teenage Years and First Encounters with Drugs
02:19 Legal Troubles and Juvenile Detention
02:57 Escaping and Continued Struggles
03:57 First Prison Sentence and Continued Drug Use
06:23 Near-Death Experience and Hospitalization
09:33 Recovery Journey and Sober Living
11:05 Life in Recovery and Helping Others
12:29 The Redemption House Initiative
13:47 Building Community Relationships
14:15 The Role of Redemption House
14:46 Support Services at Redemption House
15:12 Success Stories and Future Plans
16:01 The Importance of Recovery Community
16:16 Personal Recovery Journeys
18:07 The Financial Impact of Redemption House
19:00 The Need for Long-Term Recovery Support
20:53 Self-Love and Purpose in Recovery
22:09 Inspiring Personal Stories
24:27 Exciting Future Projects
24:50 Concluding Thoughts on Recovery
🔗 Resources & Mentions:
- 🎧 Risen From the Ashes: The Redemption Podcast (Rick’s other podcast) – Available on Spotify
- 🏠 Redemption House – A nonprofit recovery bridge for individuals who relapse
- 🤝 CCAR – Get connected with a Recovery Coach: https://ccar.us
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