Surviving a Gunshot Wasn’t His Turning Point—Recovery Was

From a childhood marked by trauma and instability to multiple incarcerations, heroin addiction, and even surviving a gunshot to the head—Rick opens up about the chaos that defined his past and the redemption he’s found in recovery.

Rick reflects on the moment he finally surrendered on February 5, 2008, and how that surrender sparked a transformation that's helped him become a community leader, father, and advocate. He shares how meaningful work—including launching Redemption House and running recovery housing for over a decade—continues to give his life purpose.

🔥 Key Topics Covered:

• Rick’s early life and introduction to drugs at age 13
• Escaping a wilderness program and his first encounters with the justice system
• Surviving a near-fatal shooting during a robbery gone wrong
• Going to prison—and later choosing recovery while incarcerated
• Getting clean in 2008 and rebuilding his life
• The power of service, connection, and purpose in recovery
• The creation and impact of Redemption House, a safe bridge for those who relapse
• How one redemption bed can save the state $141,000/year
• Inspiring success stories of people who found hope through recovery housing
• The role of CCAR and recovery coaching in sustained wellness

00:00 Introduction and Host Backgrounds

00:32 Rick's Early Life and Family Struggles

01:25 Teenage Years and First Encounters with Drugs

02:19 Legal Troubles and Juvenile Detention

02:57 Escaping and Continued Struggles

03:57 First Prison Sentence and Continued Drug Use

06:23 Near-Death Experience and Hospitalization

09:33 Recovery Journey and Sober Living

11:05 Life in Recovery and Helping Others

12:29 The Redemption House Initiative

13:47 Building Community Relationships

14:15 The Role of Redemption House

14:46 Support Services at Redemption House

15:12 Success Stories and Future Plans

16:01 The Importance of Recovery Community

16:16 Personal Recovery Journeys

18:07 The Financial Impact of Redemption House

19:00 The Need for Long-Term Recovery Support

20:53 Self-Love and Purpose in Recovery

22:09 Inspiring Personal Stories

24:27 Exciting Future Projects

24:50 Concluding Thoughts on Recovery

🔗 Resources & Mentions:

• 🎧 Risen From the Ashes: The Redemption Podcast (Rick’s other podcast) – Available on Spotify
• 🏠 Redemption House – A nonprofit recovery bridge for individuals who relapse
• 🤝 CCAR – Get connected with a Recovery Coach: https://ccar.us

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