Phil "Wildcard" Andrade: Spitting Truth After Rock Bottom | The Hopeaholics Podcast #264


Phil Andrade, known as Wildcard, for a raw and inspiring conversation about his journey from addiction to artistic triumph! A rapper and filmmaker with a 20-year career, Phil shares how his love for music was ignited by influences like Oingo Boingo, Black Sabbath, and Guns N’ Roses, shaped by his creative upbringing and his grandfather’s encouragement to write poetry and stories. From his turbulent teens, marked by anger, expulsion from school, and a national TV appearance as an alcoholic at 16, to his struggles with paranoia and addiction in the LA rap scene and Spokane, Washington, Phil’s story is one of grit and redemption. He recounts haunting moments, like picking up the “Suicide King” card in a trap house, which became a symbol of his past life, and how sobriety has unlocked a new level of creativity, with monthly singles and music videos that inspire others to stay clean. Phil also opens up about the profound impact of his music, with fans crediting him for their own sobriety journeys, and his mission to honor loved ones lost to addiction, like Kim, whose name lives on in his work. Packed with humor, heart, and real talk about recovery, this episode explores the power of following your intuition, taking action on dreams, and creating your own reality. Catch Phil’s infectious energy, hear about his upcoming performances, including a show at The Asylum in East LA, and learn how his story connects to the podcast’s mission to break the stigma around addiction and fight the fentanyl epidemic. 


#TheHopeaholics #redemption #recovery #AlcoholAddiction #AddictionRecovery #wedorecover #SobrietyJourney #MyStory #Hope #wedorecover #treatmentcenter #natalieevamarie


Join our patreon to get access to an EXTRA EPISODE every week of ‘Off the Record’, exclusive content, a thriving recovery community, and opportunities to be featured on the podcast. https://patreon.com/TheHopeaholics 


Go to www.Wolfpak.com today and support our sponsors. Don't forget to use code: HOPEAHOLICSPODCAST for 10% off!


Follow the Hopeaholics on our Socials:
https://www.instagram.com/thehopeaholics 
https://linktr.ee/thehopeaholics


Buy Merch: 
https://thehopeaholics.myshopify.com


Visit our Treatment Centers: https://www.hopebythesea.com
If you or a loved one needs help, please call or text 949-615-8588. We have the resources to treat mental health and addiction. 


Sponsored by the Infiniti Group LLC:
https://www.infinitigroupllc.com 


Timestamps:
00:01:57 - Explanation of Nickname Wild Card
00:04:17 - Connection with Ricky Mars and LA Rap Scene
00:04:32 - Moving to Spokane and Life There
00:05:09 - Loving Spokane and Music Acceptance
00:09:10 - Longevity in Music Career
00:09:13 - Falling in Love with Music and Early Influences
00:10:17 - Sent to Boys Home and National TV Appearance
00:10:52 - Family Background and Anger Issues
00:13:26 - Early Addiction to Alcohol and Progression
00:45:40 - Impact of Music on Sobriety Journeys
00:46:16 - Message Through Art and Following Dreams

Adam Larkin: Taking the Sober Risk | The Hopeaholics Podcast

In this inspiring episode of The Hopeaholics Podcast, hosts Natalie and Chad welcome back Adam Larkin, a recovering addict turned entrepreneur, who shares his transformative journey from a 17-year struggle with opioid and benzodiazepine addiction to building a thriving life of sobriety and purpose. Adam details his pivotal "God thing" moment in Kentucky, where he discarded drugs and committed to recovery, leading to detox, sober living, and learning construction in Indiana. He discusses the success of his clothing brand, GITT Apparel, now in 41 states and three continents, inspired by the motivational phrase "Get in the Truck." Adam also highlights his sobriety date of May 7, 2019, his fiancée’s new women’s treatment center in Harlan, Kentucky, and his upcoming projects, including a podcast and autobiography titled To Hell and Back: From Addiction to Acceleration. Through candid reflections on his traumatic past, including a fatal car accident at 19, and his current roles as Chief Marketing Officer for New Hope Counseling and Recovery and a social media consultant, Adam’s story underscores resilience, the power of positive influences, and the importance of giving back, culminating in his plans for the fourth annual GITT Recovery Celebration, where he’ll give away a car to someone in early recovery.

Check out GITT Apparel:
https://www.gittlive.com/

#thehopeaholics  #redemption #recovery #AlcoholAddiction #AddictionRecovery #wedorecover #SobrietyJourney #MyStory #Hope #wedorecover #treatmentcenter #natalieevamarie

Join our patreon to get access to an EXTRA EPISODE every week of ‘Off the Record’, exclusive content, a thriving recovery community, and opportunities to be featured on the podcast. https://patreon.com/TheHopeaholics 

Go to www.Wolfpak.com today and support our sponsors. Don't forget to use code: HOPEAHOLICSPODCAST for 10% off!

Follow the Hopeaholics on our Socials:
https://www.instagram.com/thehopeaholics 
https://linktr.ee/thehopeaholics

Buy Merch: 
https://thehopeaholics.myshopify.com

Visit our Treatment Centers: https://www.hopebythesea.com
If you or a loved one needs help, please call or text 949-615-8588. We have the resources to treat mental health and addiction. 

Sponsored by the Infiniti Group LLC:
https://www.infinitigroupllc.com 

Timestamps:
00:02:49 - The Origin of "Get in the Truck" and Entrepreneurial Shift
00:04:06 - Rock Bottom and Decision to Get Sober
00:04:30 - Detox and Early Recovery Challenges
00:06:27 - Sober Living and Life Rebuild
00:07:35 - Sobriety Date and Family Background
00:08:08 - Traumatic Car Accident and Addiction Trigger
00:13:16 - Maintaining Sobriety Through Positive Activities
00:18:03 - Meeting His Fiancée and Her Influence
00:45:41 - Future Plans: Podcast and Autobiography
00:46:46 - Advocating for Himself and Expunging Record
00:58:06 - Fourth Annual GITT Recovery Celebration

Richard Macias: The Warpath to Redemption | The Hopeaholics Podcast

Growing up in San Bernardino County, Richard was exposed to alcohol as early as five years old, leading to years of substance abuse, run-ins with the law, and a lifestyle that strained his marriage and family. His breaking point came the day he returned home to find his wife and children gone—a moment that drove him to his knees in desperate prayer and sparked his complete surrender to sobriety. From there, he channeled his addictive tendencies into fitness, faith, and personal growth, losing over 100 pounds, rebuilding trust with his wife—who also embraced sobriety—and transforming their home into one free from alcohol. In this conversation, Richard shares how he turned his redemption into a mission, founding Warpath Fitness to help men break destructive cycles through health, accountability, and mindset work. Raw, honest, and deeply inspiring, his story shows that no matter how dark the past, a life of purpose, discipline, and lasting change is possible.

#thehopeaholics  #redemption #recovery #AlcoholAddiction #AddictionRecovery #wedorecover  #SobrietyJourney #MyStory #RecoveryIsPossible #Hope #wedorecover 

Join our patreon to get access to an EXTRA EPISODE every week of ‘Off the Record’, exclusive content, a thriving recovery community, and opportunities to be featured on the podcast. https://patreon.com/TheHopeaholics 

Go to www.Wolfpak.com today and support our sponsors. Don't forget to use code: HOPEAHOLICS for 10% off!

Follow the Hopeaholics on our Socials:
https://www.instagram.com/thehopeaholics 
https://linktr.ee/thehopeaholics

Buy Merch: 
https://thehopeaholics.myshopify.com

Visit our Treatment Centers: https://www.hopebythesea.com
If you or a loved one needs help, please call or text 949-615-8588. We have the resources to treat mental health and addiction. 

Sponsored by the Infiniti Group LLC:
https://www.infinitigroupllc.com 

Timestamps:
00:02:06 - Born in Santa Monica, Raised in San Bernardino
00:04:22 - First Drink at Five, Liking the Altered Feeling
00:05:15 - Progression to Weed at Age 12
00:06:10 - Trying Cocaine at Age 15
00:08:00 - Joining Marines at Age 18
00:12:05 - Multiple DUIs and Relapses
00:13:45 - Rock Bottom with Fentanyl Overdose
00:15:20 - Recovery Through 12-Step Program
00:17:55 - Music Career as Riggy Marz
00:25:00 - Rebuilding Life Through Sobriety and Music
00:29:30 - Finding Purpose in Recovery Community
00:32:15 - Training at Gym to Support Mental Health
00:35:02 - Partnering with Rain Warriors for Fitness Program
01:06:15 - Planning Collaborative Music Projects

Gabe Cohen: Creating a Legacy Through Lived Experience | The Hopeaholics Podcast

Gabe, a former convict turned recovery warrior whose unrelenting passion to save lives has transformed communities and inspired his powerful book, a guide for building recovery organizations from the ground up. Starting with no experience, no money, and no building, Gabe’s journey from addiction’s grip to founding a thriving nonprofit in Colorado is a testament to resilience, faith, and the belief that helping just one person can change the world. He shares raw stories of overcoming relapse risks after years of sobriety, securing his first grant to expand services, and partnering with prisons to support inmates’ recovery, all while navigating the challenges of nonprofit management and board conflicts that tested his resolve. Gabe’s spiritual awakening and “it’s only a moment” mindset shine through as he discusses balancing family time with his mission to serve, from mentoring youth to traveling 200 miles to reach those in need. His book, born from lessons learned through trial and error, offers a roadmap for anyone dreaming of starting a recovery community, with plans to expand his impact through global consulting. Tune in for an inspiring, faith-fueled story of redemption, practical wisdom for recovery advocates, and a call to dream big and serve boldly, proving that one person’s purpose can ignite hope worldwide.

#thehopeaholics  #redemption #recovery #AlcoholAddiction #AddictionRecovery #wedorecover  #SobrietyJourney #MyStory #RecoveryIsPossible #Hope #wedorecover 

Join our patreon to get access to an EXTRA EPISODE every week of ‘Off the Record’, exclusive content, a thriving recovery community, and opportunities to be featured on the podcast. https://patreon.com/TheHopeaholics 

Go to www.Wolfpak.com today and support our sponsors. Don't forget to use code: HOPEAHOLICS for 10% off!

Follow the Hopeaholics on our Socials:
https://www.instagram.com/thehopeaholics 
https://linktr.ee/thehopeaholics

Buy Merch: 
https://thehopeaholics.myshopify.com

Visit our Treatment Centers: https://www.hopebythesea.com
If you or a loved one needs help, please call or text 949-615-8588. We have the resources to treat mental health and addiction. 

Sponsored by the Infiniti Group LLC:
https://www.infinitigroupllc.com 

Timestamps:
00:01:40 - Introducing Book as Guide for Recovery Organizations
00:02:25 - Inspired to Write Book to Help Others in Recovery
00:03:09 - Overcoming Addiction with Spiritual Awakening
00:04:37 - Starting Nonprofit with No Experience or Funding
00:06:12 - Facing Relapse Risk After Years of Sobriety
00:08:22 - Building Community Center for Youth and Recovery
00:12:09 - Learning Nonprofit Management Through Trial and Error
00:15:47 - Securing First Grant to Expand Recovery Services
00:18:34 - Partnering with Prisons to Support Inmate Recovery
00:23:18 - Emphasizing Faith as Core to Personal Healing
00:27:30 - Navigating Board Conflicts in Nonprofit Growth
00:35:58 - Advocating for Peer Support in Addiction Recovery
00:50:43 - Planning to Transition into Recovery Consulting
01:02:12 - Feeling Trapped by Grant Demands and Family Time

Kristen Domke: Military Mental Health is Broken  | The Hopeaholics Podcast

In this deeply emotional and brutally honest episode of the Hopeaholics Podcast, we sit down with Kristen Domke—an Air Force veteran, personal trainer, and survivor—whose life story is nothing short of extraordinary. Kristen opens up about the emotional toll of serving in the military, including multiple deployments, witnessing unimaginable trauma, surviving military sexual assault, and battling intense mental health struggles that led to multiple suicide attempts. Her story is one of heartbreak, resilience, and redemption. After years of numbing pain through alcohol, losing her identity as a military police officer, and feeling completely alone, Kristen finally reached a breaking point—and then, miraculously, a breakthrough. Through intensive treatment, therapy, a renewed connection with faith, and the support of a recovery community, Kristen found the strength to rebuild her life and start healing from the inside out. She talks candidly about how hard it was to ask for help, what recovery really means beyond just sobriety, and how fitness, faith, and setting boundaries helped her find purpose again.

#thehopeaholics #redemption #recovery #AlcoholAddiction #AddictionRecovery #wedorecover  #SobrietyJourney #MyStory #RecoveryIsPossible #Hope #wedorecover 

Join our patreon to get access to an EXTRA EPISODE every week of ‘Off the Record’, exclusive content, a thriving recovery community, and opportunities to be featured on the podcast. https://patreon.com/TheHopeaholics 

Go to www.Wolfpak.com today and support our sponsors. Don't forget to use code: HOPEAHOLICS for 10% off!

Follow the Hopeaholics on our Socials:
https://www.instagram.com/thehopeaholics 
https://linktr.ee/thehopeaholics

Buy Merch: 
https://thehopeaholics.myshopify.com

Visit our Treatment Centers: https://www.hopebythesea.com
If you or a loved one needs help, please call or text 949-615-8588. We have the resources to treat mental health and addiction. 

Sponsored by the Infiniti Group LLC:
https://www.infinitigroupllc.com 

Timestamps:
00:02:59 - Joining the Air Force at 19 After College Struggles
00:04:09 - Serving as Security for President Obama in Africa
00:07:57 - Advocating for Herself in Mental Health Treatment
00:09:34 - Facing Family Loss and Addiction Challenges in Ohio
00:18:36 - Retraining as a Physical Therapy Assistant
00:24:38 - Achieving Sobriety at Behavioral Health Facility
00:27:30 - Embracing Recovery and Advocacy Through Faith
00:28:44 - Finding Strength in a Supportive Faith Community
00:32:08 - Working with a Direct Sponsor for Accountability
00:35:58 - Processing Trauma Through EMDR Therapy
00:50:43 - Turning Pain into Purpose to Help Others
00:58:03 - Rediscovering the Will to Live in Recovery
01:06:33 - Celebrating Four Months Sober on March 20, 2025
01:10:59 - Planning a New Business Venture Post-Military

Michael Henderson: Cultivating The Wolfpak Mentality | The Hopeaholics Podcast

Dive into the awe-inspiring journey of Michael Henderson, a true titan of resilience who turned life’s darkest moments into a blazing legacy. Once a powerhouse automotive executive commanding ten collision centers and millions in revenue, Michael faced a seismic stage three testicular cancer diagnosis that shook his world. Undaunted, he battled excruciating pain, grueling five-hour daily chemo sessions, and a life-threatening blood clot in his jugular, all while keeping his struggle hidden from colleagues to remain the steadfast provider for his family. Forged in a childhood without parents, navigating life among relatives, and stepping up to take custody of his younger sister, Michael cultivated an unstoppable “lone wolf” mentality that powered his “it’s only a moment” philosophy to conquer adversity. At 45, this life-altering disruption sparked a fearless vision to abandon his high-flying career and launch WolfPak, a family-fueled brand that skyrocketed from a garage to the iconic former Hurley building in Costa Mesa. With his wife mastering Adobe Illustrator to craft stunning bag designs, his daughters creating the iconic wolf logo and shining as brand models, and his eight-year-old son growing up amidst SpongeBob-branded creations, Michael’s family turned his dream into a global sensation. WolfPak’s innovative, personalized bags—born from his daughters’ passion for self-expression—carry not just gear but powerful stories of triumph, resonating with athletes and dreamers worldwide. From teaching himself e-commerce through relentless YouTube and podcast binges to celebrating WolfPak’s first order (a lone wolf patch) and outpacing competitors in just five years, Michael’s journey is a masterclass in grit and vision. His rallying cry—“Don’t stop; take action daily to seize your dreams, no matter the odds”—will ignite your soul and push you to chase your purpose with unwavering courage.

#TheHopeaholics #redemption #recovery #AlcoholAddiction #AddictionRecovery #wedorecover  #SobrietyJourney #MyStory #RecoveryIsPossible #Hope #wedorecover 

Use code HOPEAHOLICS for 10% off to join the WolfPak!
https://www.wolfpak.com

Join our patreon to get access to an EXTRA EPISODE every week of ‘Off the Record’, exclusive content, a thriving recovery community, and opportunities to be featured on the podcast. https://patreon.com/TheHopeaholics 

Follow the Hopeaholics on our Socials:
https://www.instagram.com/thehopeaholics 
https://linktr.ee/thehopeaholics

Buy Merch: 
https://thehopeaholics.myshopify.com

Visit our Treatment Centers: https://www.hopebythesea.com
If you or a loved one needs help, please call or text 949-615-8588. We have the resources to treat mental health and addiction. 

Sponsored by the Infiniti Group LLC:
https://www.infinitigroupllc.com 

Timestamps:
00:01:11 - Explaining Wolf Pack Name from Personal Story
00:02:29 - Receiving Stage Three Cancer Diagnosis
00:03:23 - Ignoring Initial Cancer Symptoms for Months
00:05:29 - Processing Diagnosis in Gym Parking Lot
00:06:07 - Adopting "It’s Only a Moment" Mindset
00:07:10 - Enduring Grueling Chemo and Blood Clot
00:08:10 - Keeping Cancer Secret from Work
00:14:01 - Developing Lone Wolf Mentality in Childhood
00:15:18 - Taking Custody of Younger Sister
00:21:09 - Questioning Life’s Purpose Post-Diagnosis
00:23:18 - Creating Personalized Wolf Pack Bags
00:27:12 - Daughter Designing Wolf Pack Logo
00:31:06 - Facing No Orders After Website Launch
01:13:36 - Highlighting Athletes’ Hardship Stories
01:14:18 - Encouraging Persistence in Chasing Dreams
01:17:55 - Introducing "Face Your Demons" Bag
01:46:08 - Urging Listeners to Take Action Daily

Paul Hutchinson: How Do We END Child Trafficking? | The Hopeaholics Podcast

Paul Hutchinson, a former real estate tycoon turned global anti-child trafficking advocate whose courageous journey inspired the hit film Sound of Freedom. Once a billionaire managing over $20 billion in assets with a lavish lifestyle marked by ego, greed, and addiction, Paul’s life took a dramatic turn when he was recruited to fund and lead a historic child rescue mission in Colombia, saving 124 children in a single day. Over a decade, he spearheaded over 70 undercover operations across 15 countries, confronting the darkest corners of humanity while grappling with his own inner demons. In this raw and inspiring conversation, Paul opens up about his past as “Paul f***ing Hutchinson,” living a life of excess with mansions, private jets, and parties, until a transformative healing retreat using psilocybin helped him confront childhood trauma and rebuild his spiritual connection, moving him from self-destruction to purpose-driven service. He shares alarming truths about the U.S. as the world’s top consumer of child pornography, the link between unhealed trauma and addiction, and how most traffickers were once victims themselves. Offering hope, Paul emphasizes practical solutions like daily prayer with loved ones to strengthen relationships and actionable steps to break generational curses, urging listeners to heal the “hell out of humanity” to end the demand for exploitation. Through his Child Liberation Foundation and Liberating Humanity platform, Paul continues to rescue children, advocate for trauma recovery, and guide others toward spiritual alignment. 

Get your copy of "The Sound of Freedom: True Stories that Inspired the Film" here:
https://www.soundoffreedombook.com/

#thehopeaholics  #redemption #recovery #AlcoholAddiction #AddictionRecovery #wedorecover  #SobrietyJourney #MyStory #RecoveryIsPossible #Hope #wedorecover 

Join our patreon to get access to an EXTRA EPISODE every week of ‘Off the Record’, exclusive content, a thriving recovery community, and opportunities to be featured on the podcast. https://patreon.com/TheHopeaholics 

Follow the Hopeaholics on our Socials:
https://www.instagram.com/thehopeaholics 
https://linktr.ee/thehopeaholics

Buy Merch: 
https://thehopeaholics.myshopify.com

Visit our Treatment Centers: https://www.hopebythesea.com
If you or a loved one needs help, please call or text 949-615-8588. We have the resources to treat mental health and addiction. 

Sponsored by the Infiniti Group LLC:
https://www.infinitigroupllc.com 

Timestamps:
00:03:07 - First Major Child Rescue in Colombia
00:05:23 - Sound of Freedom Combines Eight Missions
00:09:22 - Past Driven by Ego and Lust
00:10:41 - Greed and Lust Fuel Trafficking
00:16:03 - Tense Delay During Sting Operation
00:18:05 - Vow to Fight Child Trafficking
00:24:47 - Prayer in Haiti to Find Children
00:29:18 - Stats on Childhood Sexual Abuse
00:36:03 - Trauma Linked to Addiction
00:44:04 - Healing Retreat for Personal Change
00:47:40 - Psilocybin Aids Trauma Healing
00:50:31 - Ripple Effect of Actions Realized
01:01:10 - Healing Perpetrators to Stop Trafficking
01:12:00 - Daily Prayer Strengthens Relationships

Dr. Sayeh Beheshti: Unveiling the Conscious Feminine | The Hopeaholics Podcast

Sit down with Dr. Sayeh Beheshti, a psychiatrist whose extraordinary path from Silicon Valley software engineer to mental health advocate will inspire and uplift. Born in Iran, she immigrated to the U.S. at 16 after the Iranian Revolution and war closed universities, forcing her family to seek educational opportunities abroad. Facing cultural shock and emotional struggles, she leaned on her family’s resilience, later pivoting from a tech career—halted by a disabling repetitive strain injury—to medicine, where she discovered her true calling in psychiatry during medical school rotations. Dr. Beheshti opens up about the burnout she faced battling insurance companies’ restrictive policies while treating addiction for over a decade, sharing heartbreaking realities of the fentanyl crisis that claims lives daily, like the Stanford student who unknowingly took a laced Adderall. Her passion for conscious feminism shines through as she discusses her upcoming books, which explore restoring balance between feminine and masculine energies to heal individuals and societies, addressing how suppressed emotions fuel addiction and how awareness can break these cycles. With a spirituality rooted in the statistical marvels of genetics, she advocates for simple, powerful practices like five daily conscious breaths and intentional self-love acts—such as savoring a coffee outdoors or journaling—to ground listeners in their bodies and foster inner peace.

#TheHopeaholics #redemption #recovery #AlcoholAddiction #AddictionRecovery #wedorecover  #SobrietyJourney #MyStory #RecoveryIsPossible #Hope #wedorecover 

Join our patreon to get access to an EXTRA EPISODE every week of ‘Off the Record’, exclusive content, a thriving recovery community, and opportunities to be featured on the podcast. https://patreon.com/TheHopeaholics 

Follow the Hopeaholics on our Socials:
https://www.instagram.com/thehopeaholics 
https://linktr.ee/thehopeaholics

Buy Merch: 
https://thehopeaholics.myshopify.com

Visit our Treatment Centers: https://www.hopebythesea.com
If you or a loved one needs help, please call or text 949-615-8588. We have the resources to treat mental health and addiction. 

Sponsored by the Infiniti Group LLC:
https://www.infinitigroupllc.com 

Timestamps:
00:01:35 - Transitioning from Software Engineering to Medicine
00:03:57 - Discovering Passion for Psychiatry
00:05:15 - Describing Abusive Medical School Work Hours
00:08:00 - Gaining Intuitive Diagnostic Skills
00:10:08 - Recalling Emotional Struggles as a Teenage Immigrant to the U.S.
00:12:09 - Entering Software Engineering Due to Silicon Valley’s Influence
00:13:17 - Fleeing Iran for Educational Opportunities After Revolution
00:16:24 - Introducing Conscious Feminism
00:19:22 - Explaining Shadow Behaviors Like Silent Treatment
00:25:37 - Advocating Compassionate Responses to Online Hate
00:29:52 - Defining Feminine and Masculine Energies
00:35:34 - Linking Suppressed Emotions to Addiction
00:37:14 - Expressing Burnout from Insurance Companies’ Barriers
00:49:14 - Finding Spirituality in Science
01:02:34 - Recommending Daily Conscious Breaths and Self-Love Practices

Patrick Belliveau & Ryan Burgio: Gambit's AI Tool to Fight Addiction | The Hopeaholics Podcast

Dive into a powerful episode of The Hopeaholics Podcast with Pat and Ryan, the visionary founders of Gambit, a company revolutionizing conversational AI to tackle real-world challenges like addiction and mental health support. This episode explores their journey of building the world’s first AI tool designed to provide 24/7, non-judgmental guidance for those battling addiction, their loved ones, and anyone seeking personal growth. Pat, five months sober after a struggle with alcohol that nearly cost him his business and life, shares raw moments, like choosing to engage with their AI instead of a bottle of bourbon, finding solace in its empathetic responses. Ryan, who never faced addiction himself, reveals how Gambit’s AI helped him navigate tough conversations to support Pat, strengthening their partnership and deepening his understanding of the disease. Driven by the tragic loss of a loved one to fentanyl, their mission at GambitCo—blending cutting-edge technology with human-like empathy—aims to transform lives.

#thehopeaholics  #redemption #recovery #AlcoholAddiction #AddictionRecovery #wedorecover  #SobrietyJourney #MyStory #RecoveryIsPossible #Hope #wedorecover 

Check out the website we made with Gambit:
https://www.chaddict.com
https://www.askevamarie.com

Visit https://gambitco.io/ to learn more about this software & how they're revolutionizing what it means to seek help in the mental health & addiction treatment industry.

Join our patreon to get access to an EXTRA EPISODE every week of ‘Off the Record’, exclusive content, a thriving recovery community, and opportunities to be featured on the podcast. https://patreon.com/TheHopeaholics 

Follow the Hopeaholics on our Socials:
https://www.instagram.com/thehopeaholics 
https://linktr.ee/thehopeaholics

Buy Merch: 
https://thehopeaholics.myshopify.com

Visit our Treatment Centers: https://www.hopebythesea.com
If you or a loved one needs help, please call or text 949-615-8588. We have the resources to treat mental health and addiction. 

Sponsored by the Infiniti Group LLC:
https://www.infinitigroupllc.com 

Timestamps:
00:05:01 - Sharing Sobriety Struggles and Need for Constant Support
00:06:24 - Emphasizing Non-Judgmental Support in AI Tool
00:07:10 - Highlighting AI’s Role in Scaling Support for Recovery
00:12:48 - Confronting Drinking’s Impact on Business Partnership
00:13:37 - Using AI Tool to Understand Addiction Communication
00:14:26 - Learning to Preserve Strengths in Recovery Process
00:15:33 - Recognizing AI’s Value for Supporting Loved Ones
00:18:51 - Choosing AI Chat Over Drinking Bourbon
00:19:20 - Feeling Validated by AI’s Non-Judgmental Response
00:23:04 - Describing Emotional Depth in Building AI Personalities
00:31:32 - Redirecting Urges Through AI Conversation
00:32:22 - Reflecting on Lack of Off-Switch in Addiction
00:34:13 - Advocating for Environmental Changes in Support
00:35:10 - Finding Personal Growth Through AI Interaction
00:44:28 - Recalling Sobriety Turning Point After Confrontation

Stephen "Riggy Marz" Melnick: The Medicine of Music | The Hopeaholics Podcast

From a privileged upbringing in a musical, artsy family in Pasadena to a decades-long battle with addiction, Stephen shares his harrowing journey through heroin, meth, and fentanyl, surviving over 50 overdoses, including a devastating one on his son’s birthday that left him confronting the profound impact of his actions on his family. Now, at 38, with three months sober as of April 2025, Stephen opens up about the cycles of relapse, the transformative power of the 12 steps, and the pivotal role music plays in his recovery. Signed to The Orchard/Sony ATV, he channels his pain and hope into his art, creating authentic tracks that resonate with those fighting their own demons. Tune in to hear how Stephen turned his darkest moments—marked by jail, loss, and near-death experiences—into a higher purpose, inspiring others to find light in the chaos of addiction.

#thehopeaholics  #redemption #recovery #AlcoholAddiction #AddictionRecovery #wedorecover  #SobrietyJourney #MyStory #RecoveryIsPossible #Hope #wedorecover 

Join our patreon to get access to an EXTRA EPISODE every week of ‘Off the Record’, exclusive content, a thriving recovery community, and opportunities to be featured on the podcast. https://patreon.com/TheHopeaholics 

Follow the Hopeaholics on our Socials:
https://www.instagram.com/thehopeaholics 
https://linktr.ee/thehopeaholics

Buy Merch: 
https://thehopeaholics.myshopify.com

Visit our Treatment Centers: https://www.hopebythesea.com
If you or a loved one needs help, please call or text 949-615-8588. We have the resources to treat mental health and addiction. 

Sponsored by the Infiniti Group LLC:
https://www.infinitigroupllc.com 

Timestamps:
00:04:22 - Relapsing After Three Years of Sobriety
00:05:14 - In and Out of Recovery Since Age 15
00:06:28 - Finding Hope Through 12-Step Work
00:06:58 - Surviving Nine Fentanyl Overdoses
00:08:08 - Transitioning from Heroin to Crack Use
00:09:05 - Relapses Tied to Relationships and Kratom
00:10:27 - Struggling with Compulsive Behaviors
00:14:10 - Expulsion from Boarding School for Drug Use
00:15:18 - First Exposure to AA at Age 15
00:17:39 - Music Career Taking Off in Sobriety
00:26:05 - Realizing Impact of Actions on Family
00:30:06 - Surviving Over 50 Overdoses
01:00:47 - Valuing Artistic Independence
01:02:34 - Seeking Longevity Over Trends
01:04:48 - Music as Healing Therapy
01:06:33 - Staying Authentic in Art
01:11:10 - Sponsoring Others in Recovery
01:12:26 - Reflecting on Relapse and Redemption