In this deeply personal episode of Overcoming Adversity, Amanda Marino is joined by her 19-year-old son, Merik, for a rare and raw conversation about growing up, healing generational trauma, and finding your purpose in helping others. From EMT training to future goals in firefighting and intervention, Merik opens up about his quiet strength, his simple truth, and the love that shaped him. With warmth, humor, and a few ball-busting moments, Amanda and Sarah reflect on how one son’s steady presence helped spark a mother’s transformation—and how their journey together continues to evolve.

A touching look at resilience, recovery, and raising a good man in a complicated world.

Next Level Recovery Associates:
Instagram: @nextlevelrecoveryassoc
Facebook: Next Level Recovery Associates
LinkedIn: Next Level Recovery Associates
TikTok:  @nextlevelrecoveryassoc
YouTube:  Next Level Recovery Associates

Amanda Marino:
Instagram: @amandamarinorecovery
Facebook: Amanda Marino, Behavioral Health Consultant and Interventionist
LinkedIn: Amanda Marino
TikTok: @amandamarinorecovery
YouTube: @amandamarinorecovery

Sarah Frias:
Instagram: @sarahefrias