In this raw and powerful episode of the StraitJacket Podcast, host Keta Loren sits down with Nic, a former professional skateboarder whose life took a dark turn into addiction, homelessness, and repeated psychiatric holds. Growing up in survival mode—living in a car with his mom and navigating the rough streets of the Bay Area—Nic found himself trapped in a cycle of alcohol, cocaine, and Xanax that nearly cost him everything, including his mind. From 5150s to full-blown psychosis, he lost his career, his direction, and his grip on reality. But rock bottom wasn’t the end—it was the beginning.

With 7 ½ years of sobriety under his belt, Nic is now a present, loving, and active father to a 12-year-old daughter he didn’t even know existed until after he got clean. His story is one of gritty redemption, unexpected fatherhood, and the long road of emotional maturity and healing. Today, he’s in therapy, staying committed to his recovery, and rebuilding his life with intention. This episode is a testimony to how the wreckage of the past can still become the foundation for something beautiful. Tune in—you won’t forget this one.

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In this gripping episode of the StraitJacket Podcast, host Keta Loren sits down with Kelson, a woman whose journey through addiction took her beyond rock bottom—she died and had to be brought back to life. Her story isn’t just about overdose or survival; it’s about what happens when you're given a second chance and what it takes to rebuild a life from the ashes. Kelson opens up about the chaos of active addiction, the moment everything went black, and the wake-up call that came in the form of flatlining.

But Kelson didn’t just come back—she came back to life. Now walking in recovery, her story is raw, unfiltered, and deeply human. From death’s doorstep to living with purpose, she reminds us that recovery isn’t just possible—it’s powerful. This is more than a comeback story; it’s a resurrection. If you’ve ever felt too far gone, this episode is your proof that you’re not. Tune in—you’ll feel every word.

In this powerful episode of the StraitJacket Podcast, hosts Keta Loren and Dax sit down with Joy to explore her incredible journey of survival, resilience, and rebirth. Joy grew up in Louisiana, surrounded by love but also marked by profound loss at a young age. One of the most devastating moments of her life was losing her older sister to an overdose, a tragedy that left a deep scar on her heart. Struggling to process her grief, Joy eventually turned to drugs to numb the pain and found herself lost in the world of IV drug use. Her story is an honest, unfiltered look at the spiral of addiction—and the immense strength it takes to fight your way back.

Today, Joy is a true monument to what recovery and healing can look like. With eight years of sobriety, she now works with **Rock to Recovery**, using the power of music and community to help others find their own paths to healing. Her life today is a reflection of perseverance, hope, and transformation, living proof that no matter how far you fall, it’s always possible to rise. Tune in to hear Joy’s inspiring story—one of heartbreak, survival, and the beautiful life she has created against all odds.

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Welcome to the Straitjacket Podcast with your hosts Keta and Dax.  In this powerful and deeply personal episode, we sit down with AK, who shares his raw and emotional journey from being born addicted to crack and alcohol to finding a path of healing and recovery. Raised by his grandmother and placed in special education and therapies due to Fetal Alcohol Syndrome and early trauma, AK opens up about the unique challenges he faced growing up and how his environment shaped the decisions he made later in life.

AK speaks candidly about the pain of becoming a product of that environment—falling into addiction, battling bipolar disorder, and hitting rock bottom before finding the strength to seek treatment. His story is one of resilience, redemption, and the ongoing fight for mental health and sobriety. This is more than a conversation—it's a testament to survival, growth, and the power of recovery. Tune in to hear AK’s truth and be reminded that no matter where you start, healing is possible.

On this episode of the Straitjacket Podcast, hosts Keta Loren and Jeff Conroy sit down with Ozzy (Jahziel), an incredibly talented musician with a heavy story of addiction, survival, and recovery. Ozzy opens up about getting hooked on triple C’s at just 12 years old, landing in rehab by 14, and spiraling into a heroin addiction that consumed his entire 20s. From psychosis to homelessness, his life became a chaotic blur on the streets—but the story doesn’t end there.

Now celebrating two years of sobriety, Ozzy shares how he clawed his way back from the edge and rediscovered himself through music and healing. His journey is raw, honest, and proof that even in the darkest moments, there’s still a way out. This is one you don’t want to miss.

On this episode of StraitJacket Podcast, host Keta Loren sits down with Nate to talk about his powerful journey through heroin addiction, mental illness, and ultimately, recovery. Nate shares the raw truth about his struggles—the moments that nearly broke him and the turning points that set him on a new path. Now working in recovery, he reflects on how his darkest days shaped his purpose, breaking the cycle of addiction not just for himself, but for others who are still struggling.  

This episode is about more than just survival—it’s about coming full circle. Nate opens up about the challenges of sobriety, the power of second chances, and the deep fulfillment he’s found in helping others find their way to recovery. His story is proof that no matter how far you’ve fallen, healing is possible, and purpose can be found on the other side of pain. Tune in for this inspiring conversation, and don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more real stories of resilience and recovery.

In this episode of Straitjacket Podcast, hosts Keta Loren and Rachel Handa sit down with Alex, a skater whose journey took him from painkillers to the chaos of heroin and meth. What started as a way to numb the pain turned into a full-blown nightmare, culminating in a drug-induced psychosis that shattered his grip on reality. Alex opens up about the delusions, the paranoia, and the terrifying moments where he lost himself completely—until he finally found a way back. His story is raw, unfiltered, and a testament to how deep addiction can take you—and how far recovery can bring you back.  

From street skating to street living, from the highs of a perfect trick to the lowest rock bottom, Alex takes us through the darkness of addiction and the brutal reality of losing his mind. But this isn’t just a horror story—it’s a comeback. Now sober and rebuilding his life, he shares what it took to escape the spiral, regain his sanity, and find purpose beyond the drugs. Whether you’ve battled addiction, know someone who has, or just want to hear an unflinching account of survival, this episode is one you don’t want to miss. Hit play and hear the story of a skater who flipped his life around in the most unexpected way.

In this deeply moving episode of the Straitjacket Podcast, hosts Keta Loren and Rachel Handa sit down with Hilary, a survivor with an incredible story of resilience. Hilary opens up about the pain of losing her mother at a young age, the struggles that led her to self-harm, and her battle with heroin addiction. She shares the raw reality of her darkest moments and the challenges she faced in breaking free from the cycle of addiction. Her journey is one of heartbreak, but also of hope—a testament to the strength it takes to fight for a better life.  

Now, with over a decade of recovery, Hilary is living proof that healing is possible. She discusses the steps she took to rebuild her life, the support systems that helped her along the way, and how she found a purpose beyond her past struggles. This episode is a must-watch for anyone who has faced trauma, addiction, or loss, and for those seeking inspiration in their own recovery journey. Tune in for a powerful conversation about survival, self-discovery, and the possibility of a future free from self-destruction.

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In this powerful episode of Straitjacket Podcast, hosts Keta and Rachel sit down with Vanessa, a remarkable woman who has overcome unimaginable challenges. With 11 years of substance-abuse recovery, Vanessa is now a PhD candidate in clinical psychology and shares her journey of resilience, healing, and self-discovery. She opens up about living with bipolar disorder with psychotic features and surviving near-fatal congestive heart failure caused by past drug use. Vanessa's story is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the power of transformation. Tune in for a conversation filled with hope, courage, and inspiration. #StraitjacketPod #SubstanceAbuseRecovery #MentalHealthAwareness #Inspiration

On this episode of the Straitjacket Podcast, Keta and Jeff sit down with Zack for a raw and unfiltered conversation about addiction, mental health, and the struggles of identity. Zack shares his journey through addiction to weed and Xanax, the psychosis that followed, and how he navigated growing up gay in a family system deeply affected by abuse and substance use. His story sheds light on the complexities of addiction and the emotional wounds that often fuel it.  

Together, we dive into the realities of trauma, self-destruction, and the difficult road to healing. Zach opens up about breaking free from generational cycles, confronting his past, and what recovery means to him. If you’ve ever struggled with addiction, identity, or family dysfunction, this episode is for you. Tune in for an honest and heartfelt discussion that challenges the stigma and brings understanding to the battles so many face.

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