The Way Out | A Sobriety and Recovery Podcast

🌐 Learn More About Ezra’s WorkExplore Ezra’s new double album + book Morning & Midnight:https://ezravancil.com/📚 Recovery Literature (Quit‑Lit) RecommendationAA Big Book https://www.aa.org/the-big-book💡 Best Piece of Recovery Advice“If you want self‑esteem, do estimable acts.”🎵 Song That Symbolizes Recovery“Song Before I Go” — Ezra Vancil https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J_1fl3Qebu8🔎 Episode SummaryIn this episode of The Way Out Podcast, Ezra Vancil shares his harrowing and deeply moving journey through addiction, surrender, and long‑term recovery. From his first drink at age 13 to the pivotal moment of surrender on Valentine’s Day 2013, Ezra reflects on how community, humility, and spiritual growth reshaped his life.Ezra discusses the myth that creativity suffers in sobriety — and how, for him, recovery unlocked a deeper artistic purpose. He explores the role of the 12‑step program, the importance of working the steps with intention, and the transformative power of developing a relationship with a higher power.His story includes rebuilding relationships, confronting resentment, making amends, and learning to live a life grounded in service, action, and gratitude. Ezra’s journey is a testament to the truth that sobriety doesn’t limit creativity — it amplifies it.✨ Key TopicsEzra’s early life and musical careerFirst encounter with alcohol at age 13Moving frequently and its impact on identitySubstances as a tool for fitting inValentine’s Day 2013 — the moment of surrenderCommunity and service as pillars of recoveryDebunking the myth that sobriety hinders creativityMental health and legal strugglesThe 12‑step program as a blueprint for lifeEzra’s work as a musician, author, and business ownerSurrender and acceptance in recoveryWorking the steps with a sponsorBuilding a relationship with a higher powerCreativity and music as healing toolsRebuilding relationships and making amendsOvercoming resentment and self‑forgivenessThe importance of action and “the next right thing”Living a life of purpose and service🎧 The Way Out PlaylistCurated exclusively by guests of The Way Out Podcast — available only on Spotify.https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6HNQyyjlFBrDbOUADgw1Sz?si=NC26a67vQjqw0BcgTzPmRg© 2015–2026 The Way Out Podcast | All Rights ReservedTheme Music: all clear by Ketsa — licensed under CC BY‑NC‑ND 4.0https://ketsa.uk/browse-music/

📬 Contact RyanWebsite: OurProtectorDevelopment.com📚 Recovery Literature (Quit‑Lit) RecommendationThe Bible💡 Best Piece of Recovery Advice“When I pray, coincidences happen. When I don’t, they don’t.”🎵 Song That Symbolizes Recovery“Eye of the Tiger” — Survivor https://youtu.be/btPJPFnesV4🔎 Episode SummaryIn this episode of The Way Out Podcast, Ryan Reichert shares his powerful journey from addiction and materialism to a life anchored in sobriety, faith, and service. Ryan reflects on the daily routines that keep him grounded, the spiritual practices that transformed his life, and the importance of giving back through his nonprofit work and personal storytelling.He discusses the challenges of rebuilding life after addiction and divorce, the role of community support systems, and the faith‑based resources that helped him find purpose. Ryan’s story is a testament to resilience, spiritual awakening, and the belief that transformation is possible when faith becomes the foundation of recovery.✨ Key TopicsRyan Reichert’s personal recovery storyThe role of faith and spirituality in healingDaily routines and habits that support sobrietyThe importance of service and giving backBuilding a new life after addiction and divorceThe impact of community and support systemsFaith‑based resources and spiritual practicesPersonal transformation and rediscovering purpose🎧 The Way Out PlaylistCurated exclusively by guests of The Way Out Podcast — available only on Spotify.https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6HNQyyjlFBrDbOUADgw1Sz?si=NC26a67vQjqw0BcgTzPmRg© 2015–2026 The Way Out Podcast | All Rights ReservedTheme Music: all clear by Ketsa — licensed under CC BY‑NC‑ND 4.0https://ketsa.uk/browse-music/

🌐 Learn More About DavidWebsite:https://www.daviddeanehaskell.com/📚 Recovery Literature (Quit‑Lit) RecommendationsCODA Book https://coda.org/purchase/AA Big Book https://www.aa.org/the-big-book💡 Best Piece of Recovery Advice(Not provided — you can add one if David shared a specific phrase or theme.)🎵 Song That Symbolizes Recovery“Rise” — Calum Scott https://youtu.be/EaCHGqyD45E?si=reOEYxfS4PZG6lje🔎 Episode SummaryIn this episode of The Way Out Podcast, David Deane Haskell shares his powerful journey through addiction, recovery, and healing from deep childhood trauma. He reflects on the importance of inner child work, spiritual growth, honesty, and community support — all central pillars of his recovery.David discusses the impact of ADHD, bipolar disorder, and his relationship with food and substances, offering a holistic view of mental health and addiction. He explores the role of spiritual practices, the influence of family of origin, and the transformative process of letting go.David also shares insights from his work with CODA, the importance of healthy relationships, and the themes behind his book Wounded Angels. His story is a testament to resilience, spiritual awakening, and the healing power of connection.✨ Key TopicsAddiction and recovery journeyImpact of childhood trauma and lossInner child work and emotional healingRole of spirituality and higher powerImportance of community and serviceMental health challenges: ADHD, bipolar disorderRelationship with food and substancesSpiritual awakening and letting goFamily of origin and its influenceTools and practices for maintaining sobrietyHonesty as a foundation of recoveryHow community supports healingThe impact of spiritual practices on well‑beingDavid’s experience with CODA and other programsInsights from Wounded Angels🎧 The Way Out PlaylistCurated exclusively by guests of The Way Out Podcast — available only on Spotify.https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6HNQyyjlFBrDbOUADgw1Sz?si=NC26a67vQjqw0BcgTzPmRg© 2015–2026 The Way Out Podcast | All Rights ReservedTheme Music: all clear by Ketsa — licensed under CC BY‑NC‑ND 4.0https://ketsa.uk/browse-music/

📬 Contact ElliEmail: [email protected]📚 Recovery Literature (Quit‑Lit) RecommendationsNot That Kind of Girl — Lena Dunhamhttps://a.co/d/0daESHmpDown the Drain — Julia Foxhttps://a.co/d/0d95IHECThe Alchemist — Paulo Coelhohttps://a.co/d/06F93OjO💡 Best Piece of Recovery Advice“It’s OK to have a problem! Addiction is not your fault — it’s your responsibility.”🎵 Songs That Symbolize Recovery“Bodies” — Jazmine Sullivan https://youtu.be/SQ8f3RzhWsk?si=-1bOl28KWhfnU3hq“She Talks to Angels” — The Black Crowes https://youtu.be/H58gMiQQRm0?si=eCJv4_dRCqn18IDs📘 Elli’s BookThe Diary of a Twenty‑Five‑Year‑Old Alcoholic by Elli Rose CikovicISBN: 9798218820817Available on Amazon🔎 Episode SummaryIn this candid and deeply honest episode of The Way Out Podcast, Elli Rose Cikovic shares her journey through alcohol and drug addiction, the trauma that shaped her early life, and the spiritual awakenings that helped her rebuild from the inside out. Elli reflects on quitting weed and alcohol, the discipline required to maintain sobriety, and the routines that keep her grounded.She discusses how writing became a lifeline, how advocacy fuels her purpose, and how music and literature have supported her healing. Elli’s story highlights the transformative power of self‑awareness, community, and spiritual growth — and her commitment to serving the recovery community through storytelling, vulnerability, and truth.✨ Key TopicsRecovery from addiction, trauma, and self‑destructionSpiritual awakening and its role in sobrietyWriting and advocacy as tools for serviceQuitting weed and alcohol — challenges and breakthroughsThe importance of routines and discipline in recoveryHow music and literature support emotional healing🎧 The Way Out PlaylistCurated exclusively by guests of The Way Out Podcast — available only on Spotify.https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6HNQyyjlFBrDbOUADgw1Sz?si=NC26a67vQjqw0BcgTzPmRg© 2015–2026 The Way Out Podcast | All Rights ReservedTheme Music: all clear by Ketsa — licensed under CC BY‑NC‑ND 4.0https://ketsa.uk/browse-music/

Jackson🌐 Learn More About Burk & The Recovery Bridge AppFounder • Person in Long‑Term Recoveryhttps://recoverybridge.app/📚 Recovery Literature (Quit‑Lit) RecommendationTwelve Steps and Twelve Traditions https://www.aa.org/twelve-steps-twelve-traditions💡 Best Piece of Recovery AdviceWe don’t have to do it alone🎵 Song That Symbolizes Recovery“Find Your People” — Drew Holcomb https://youtu.be/yDVl3WHoymI?si=Slj2JH1CxL7Ax7if🔎 Episode SummaryBurk Jackson shares his powerful journey through addiction, recovery, and the deep importance of connection. He reflects on the milestones that shaped his sobriety and the spiritual insights that continue to guide him. Burk also discusses the creation of The Recovery Bridge App, an innovative platform designed to lower barriers to support, strengthen community, and make recovery resources more accessible.This conversation explores how connection fuels recovery, how technology can reinforce community, and how personal stories of resilience can inspire hope. Burk’s message is clear: recovery is a shared journey, and none of us have to walk it alone.✨ Key TopicsThe role of connection in recoveryBurk Jackson’s personal journey and milestonesDevelopment and impact of The Recovery Bridge AppHow Recovery Bridge facilitates support and accessibilityPersonal stories of sobriety, resilience, and spiritual growth🎧 The Way Out PlaylistCurated exclusively by guests of The Way Out Podcast — available only on Spotify.https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6HNQyyjlFBrDbOUADgw1Sz?si=NC26a67vQjqw0BcgTzPmRg© 2015–2026 The Way Out Podcast | All Rights ReservedTheme Music: all clear by Ketsa — licensed under CC BY‑NC‑ND 4.0https://ketsa.uk/browse-music/

📬 Reach Out to RachelLinktree: https://linktr.ee/realtalkwithrachie (linktr.ee in Bing)📚 Recovery Literature (Quit‑Lit) RecommendationThe Let Them Theory: A Life‑Changing Tool That Millions of People Can’t Stop Talking About by Mel Robbins & Sawyer Robbins💡 Best Pieces of Recovery AdvicePractice discipline and establish non‑negotiables🎵 Song That Symbolizes Recovery“Juicy” — The Notorious B.I.G. https://youtu.be/_JZom_gVfuw🔎 Episode SummaryIn this episode of The Way Out Podcast, Rachel Sereni shares her powerful and deeply personal journey through addiction, trauma, and recovery. She reflects on her early substance use, the impact of childhood trauma, and the mental health challenges — including ADHD and profound grief — that shaped her path.Rachel discusses the importance of community and support systems, the routines and disciplines that anchor her sobriety, and the non‑negotiables that help her maintain stability and purpose. Her story highlights the transformative power of self‑care, structure, and vulnerability, offering listeners practical tools and hope for rebuilding life after addiction.✨ Key TopicsRachel’s early substance use and childhood traumaThe importance of community and support in recoveryMental health challenges including ADHD and griefStrategies for maintaining sobriety and rebuilding lifeThe role of routine, discipline, and self‑care in recovery🎧 The Way Out PlaylistCurated exclusively by guests of The Way Out Podcast — available only on Spotify.https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6HNQyyjlFBrDbOUADgw1Sz?si=NC26a67vQjqw0BcgTzPmRg© 2015–2026 The Way Out Podcast | All Rights ReservedTheme Music: all clear by Ketsa — licensed under CC BY‑NC‑ND 4.0https://ketsa.uk/browse-music/

🎙️ Episode Show Notes — Lindsay Taylor📬 Contact LindsayEmail: [email protected]📚 Recovery Literature (Quit‑Lit) RecommendationA Grace Disguised: How the Soul Grows Through Loss — Jerry Sittserhttps://a.co/d/05Ivg6m8💡 Best Piece of Recovery Advice“We don’t fight for victory — we fight from victory.”🎵 Song That Symbolizes Recovery“21 Years” — TobyMac https://youtu.be/eSV-pRGbg4k?si=feiibeDmFQZfGTeH🌐 ResourcesVoices to Victories — https://exvictoria.comChris Herren’s Recovery Story (PeaceLove) — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E_18V7klRY8Books, Shows & Podcast — https://soulsoldiernetwork.com/lindsaytaylor (soulsoldiernetwork.com in Bing)🔎 Episode SummaryIn this episode of The Way Out Podcast, Lindsay Taylor shares her powerful and faith‑centered journey through addiction, loss, and spiritual transformation. She reflects on the moments of surrender that reshaped her life, the gratitude that anchors her recovery, and the deep belief that victory is already won through faith.Lindsay discusses the emotional and spiritual challenges of addiction, the healing impact of faith‑based programs, and the importance of consistent practices that build long‑term sobriety. Her story highlights how spiritual moments, community support, and a willingness to be guided can lead to profound peace and lasting change.Her message is one of unwavering hope: even when you cannot see your own strength, others can — and will — hold that hope for you until you can carry it yourself.🎧 The Way Out PlaylistCurated exclusively by guests of The Way Out Podcast — available only on Spotify.https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6HNQyyjlFBrDbOUADgw1Sz?si=NC26a67vQjqw0BcgTzPmRg© 2015–2026 The Way Out Podcast | All Rights ReservedTheme Music: all clear by Ketsa — licensed under CC BY‑NC‑ND 4.0https://ketsa.uk/browse-music/

🌐 Learn More About GregPerson in Long‑Term Recovery • Author • Financial CoachCP Financial Coaching: https://www.cpfinancialcoaching.com/📚 Recovery Literature (Quit‑Lit) RecommendationsAA Big Book https://www.aa.org/the-big-bookThe Power of Now — Eckhart Tolle https://a.co/d/05rjIRA0💡 Best Piece of Recovery AdvicePractice the principles in all our affairs🎵 Song That Symbolizes Recovery“Not Afraid” — Eminem https://youtu.be/j5-yKhDd64s?si=I2uGhM8VVYCOoEeS🔎 Episode SummaryIn this episode of The Way Out Podcast, Greg Downs — a long‑term recovery advocate, author, and financial coach — shares how applying 12‑step principles to personal finance can create both emotional and financial sobriety. Greg’s journey includes addiction, profound loss, and a pivotal jail experience that transformed his life and set him on a path of service, connection, and purpose.Greg explains how the emotional patterns of addiction mirror financial struggles: guilt, denial, avoidance, fear, and the urge to escape. He introduces the concept of financial sobriety, a framework that uses recovery tools to manage money with integrity, honesty, and alignment with one’s values.He breaks down the parallels between relapse in addiction and financial relapse, showing how stress and emotion can trigger old behaviors. Greg also shares practical steps for building financial recovery: admitting control issues, taking inventory, restoring trust, and aligning spending with purpose.Throughout the conversation, Greg emphasizes community, connection, and service — the same pillars that sustain addiction recovery — as essential to financial healing. His upcoming book aims to help people break free from financial chaos using the same principles that saved his life.✨ Key Topics & TakeawaysGreg’s personal story of addiction, loss, and transformationHow emotional patterns of addiction mirror financial strugglesFinancial sobriety: applying 12‑step tools to money managementParallels between addiction relapse and financial relapsePractical steps: inventory, accountability, values‑based spendingCommunity and connection as foundations for both recovery and financial healthThe process of writing a book that merges recovery principles with personal financeNotable quote: “The opposite of addiction isn’t sobriety — it’s connection.”Reframing money through emotional honesty, purpose, and spiritual principles🎧 The Way Out PlaylistCurated exclusively by guests of The Way Out Podcast — available only on Spotify.https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6HNQyyjlFBrDbOUADgw1Sz?si=NC26a67vQjqw0BcgTzPmRg© 2015–2026 The Way Out Podcast | All Rights ReservedTheme Music: all clear by Ketsa — licensed under CC BY‑NC‑ND 4.0https://ketsa.uk/browse-music/

🎙️ Episode Show Notes — Tara Peterson📬 Contact TaraEmail: [email protected]📚 Recovery Literature (Quit‑Lit) RecommendationThe Bible💡 Best Advice“There is so much hope for you. And if you don’t have hope in yourself yet, there are so many of us who do — don’t give up.”🎵 Song That Symbolizes Recovery“I’m Not Okay” — Citizen Soldier https://youtu.be/mTtucss80tc?si=zX_roy7eWvPP7p_P🌐 ResourcesVoices to Victories https://voicestovictories.com🔎 Episode SummaryIn this episode of The Way Out Podcast, Tara Peterson shares her powerful and faith‑centered journey of recovery from addiction. She reflects on the moments of surrender that changed her life, the spiritual experiences that guided her healing, and the deep gratitude she carries for the community that supported her.Tara discusses the challenges of addiction, the importance of faith‑based programs, and the practical steps that helped her build lasting sobriety. Her story highlights the transformative power of surrender, the strength found in consistent daily practices, and the peace that emerges when faith becomes the foundation of recovery.Her message is one of hope, resilience, and encouragement — reminding listeners that even when they cannot see their own potential, others can, and will, hold that hope for them until they can carry it themselves.🎧 The Way Out PlaylistCurated exclusively by guests of The Way Out Podcast — available only on Spotify.https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6HNQyyjlFBrDbOUADgw1Sz?si=NC26a67vQjqw0BcgTzPmRg© 2015–2026 The Way Out Podcast | All Rights ReservedTheme Music: all clear by Ketsa — licensed under CC BY‑NC‑ND 4.0https://ketsa.uk/browse-music/

🎙️ Episode Show Notes — Mike Glover📚 Recovery Literature (Quit‑Lit) RecommendationAA Big Book https://www.aa.org/the-big-book💡 Best Pieces of Recovery AdviceShut up and listen Stop lying to yourself🎵 Song That Symbolizes Recovery“Not Afraid” — Eminem https://youtu.be/j5-yKhDd64s🔎 Episode SummaryIn this powerful episode of The Way Out Podcast, Mike Glover shares the raw, unfiltered truth of his recovery journey — from addiction on Chicago’s South Side to nearly five years of sobriety. Mike reflects on the realities of staying sober, the courage required to confront fear, and the importance of peer support in building resilience.His story highlights the internal battles of early recovery, the necessity of honesty, and the transformative impact of facing risks head‑on. Mike’s reflections offer a grounded, practical blueprint for anyone navigating their own recovery or supporting someone they love through the process.✨ Key ThemesThe real work of staying soberThe power of peer support and communityConfronting fear and building resilienceHonesty as a foundation for recoveryPractical insights for people in recovery and their loved ones🎧 The Way Out PlaylistCurated exclusively by guests of The Way Out Podcast — available only on Spotify.https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6HNQyyjlFBrDbOUADgw1Sz?si=NC26a67vQjqw0BcgTzPmRg© 2015–2026 The Way Out Podcast | All Rights ReservedTheme Music: all clear by Ketsa — licensed under CC BY‑NC‑ND 4.0https://ketsa.uk/browse-music/