The Recovery Couch

What happens when a mother watches her son slowly lose himself to addiction—and ultimately loses him to fentanyl poisoning?

In Part 1 of this emotional conversation, Brandon Couch welcomes Christina Daley to The Recovery Couch to share the story of her son Blake's battle with addiction, mental illness, alcohol abuse, and recovery attempts before his tragic overdose death.

Christina provides a rare and honest perspective from the family side of addiction. She discusses emergency room visits, repeated relapses, jail time, probation, treatment efforts, Narcotics Anonymous meetings, suicidal thoughts, and the emotional toll addiction takes on parents who never stop loving their children.

She also shares the final memories she has with Blake, including one of their last conversations about his dreams for the future and the devastating phone call informing her that he had died after using cocaine contaminated with fentanyl.

Throughout the episode, listeners gain valuable insight into the intersection of addiction, trauma, mental health, family systems, and grief.

Topics discussed include:

• Parenting a child struggling with addiction

Christina also explains how connecting with other families experiencing similar losses became an essential part of her own healing journey and encourages others to seek community rather than suffer in isolation.

If you or someone you love has been impacted by addiction or overdose loss, this episode serves as a reminder that you are not alone.

Hosted by Brandon Couch, author of Step 4: A Journey Through Addiction and founder of The Recovery Couch.

Because no matter where you've been or what you've been through…

You always have a seat right here on The Recovery Couch.

In Episode 250 of The Recovery Couch, Brandon sits down with Christina Daley — a mother 

Blake was funny, charming, and loved by everyone around him. But behind that smile was 

In Part 1, Christina shares:

This episode is for every parent who has ever loved someone through addiction — and 

🔔 Subscribe so you don't miss Part 2.

#addiction #recovery #overdose #mentalhealth #faith

In this inspiring interview, Jeff Greene shares his journey from a rebellious, drug-filled past to a faith-filled life dedicated to spreading God's love. Discover how divine encounters, unconditional love, and scripture transformed his life, offering hope and practical advice for those seeking recovery and spiritual renewal.

Keywords - faith, recovery, Jesus, love, transformation, scripture, peace, Holy Spirit, addiction, forgiveness

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In this powerful, faith-filled conversation, Brandon Couch sits down with Renee Swasey, author of Refined for Revival: Your Purpose in God’s Plan, to explore what it truly means to live in alignment with God—not performance, not religion, but real relationship. Renee shares how identity is often shaped by the world, addiction, and past experiences—and how true transformation begins when we separate who we are from what we’ve done. Together, they unpack the concept of the “dominion mandate,” the dangers of living in self-reliance, and why so many people remain stuck in cycles of addiction, shame, and spiritual stagnation.

This episode dives deep into:

How the enemy distorts identity through lies and conditioning Why renewing your mind is critical for recovery and spiritual growth The difference between living for yourself vs. co-laboring with God Breaking free from addiction by replacing false fulfillment with truth The importance of obedience, stepping off the sidelines, and living with purpose Practical encouragement for anyone starting over with nothing but a desire for change Renee also speaks directly to those coming out of addiction, prison, or broken circumstances—offering a clear path forward rooted in Scripture, surrender, and daily relationship with God. This isn’t just a conversation—it’s a call to step out of the old patterns, renew your mind, and walk in the identity God already gave you.

Keywords: Faith, Addiction Recovery, Identity in Christ, Spiritual Growth, Mental Health, Purpose, Renewal, Obedience, Christian Living, Transformation

Watch on YouTube or listen on Spotify and all major platforms. Be sure to share this episode with someone who needs a reminder that their past does not define their purpose.

Guest Info: Renee Swasey is the author of Refined for Revival: Your Purpose in God’s Plan, a book designed to stir the Holy Spirit and deepen your relationship with God through truth, Scripture, and spiritual alignment.

In this powerful interview, Daus Hempker shares his incredible journey from military service and homelessness to spiritual awakening and recovery. He discusses mental health, addiction, spiritual warfare, and the importance of faith and community in healing.

Keywords - Recovery, Faith, Mental Health, Addiction, Spiritual Warfare, Veterans, Homelessness, Healing, Jesus, Inner Child

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In part 1 of this powerful interview, Daus Hempker shares his incredible journey from military service and homelessness to spiritual awakening and recovery. He discusses mental health, addiction, spiritual warfare, and the importance of faith and community in healing.

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Thomas’ story is nothing short of extraordinary. Once living as an international drug smuggler, his life spiraled through addiction, prison, and homelessness—until a powerful encounter with Christ changed everything.

In this episode, Thomas shares how faith became the turning point that redefined his identity and purpose. What once was a life marked by destruction is now one committed to service, as he leads charitable efforts focused on helping the homeless and restoring dignity to those often forgotten.

This conversation dives deep into the reality of spiritual transformation, the role of community and mentorship in recovery, and how surrendering to God can turn even the darkest past into a mission-driven future.

If you’ve ever wondered whether true change is possible—this episode is your answer.

faith, addiction recovery, prison transformation, charity work, Christian testimony, homelessness, spiritual renewal, personal growth

Benjamin Buckland shares his journey through a severe injury, chronic pain, and his faith-driven approach to healing and purpose. This episode explores resilience, spiritual growth, and the power of gratitude amidst suffering.

Keywords - CRPS, chronic pain, faith, recovery, spiritual journey, hope, healing, depression, gratitude, perseverance

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00:00 - Introduction and Guest Introduction

01:20 - The Accident and Initial Injury

02:20 - Diagnosis of CRPS and Its Challenges

04:46 - The Odds and Emotional Impact of CRPS

06:41 - Learning About CRPS and Its Nickname

07:04 - Mental Health and Spiritual Encounters

08:42 - God's Intervention and Past Experiences

09:33 - Endurance and Hope in Pain

12:16 - Faith, Gratitude, and God's Timing

14:38 - Relationships and Limitations

22:47 - Using Pain for Purpose and Writing

24:43 - Surrendering to God's Plan for Healing

28:04 - Living with Purpose Despite Pain

32:59 - Final Words of Encouragement and Faith

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