A Life Built on Lies, Addiction, and Broken Trust with Tony Johnson | The Hopeaholics Podcast


In this episode of the Hopeaholics Podcast, Tony Johnson shares his raw and unfiltered story of addiction, manipulation, crime, prison, and recovery, opening up about growing up with childhood neglect in Seattle, getting shot, chasing money and power through drug dealing, and spiraling into Xanax, pills, and heroin. He speaks honestly about living a double life filled with lies, burning bridges, stacking felonies, losing relationships, and hitting rock bottom before his adopted mother’s tough love and a life-changing Narcotics Anonymous meeting pushed him toward recovery. Tony also discusses accountability in behavioral health, the dangers of fentanyl, rebuilding trust, faith, and using his past to help others escape addiction, delivering a powerful message about responsibility, redemption, and choosing a new path when everything feels lost. Throughout the conversation, he reflects on the mindset that kept him trapped in addiction, the importance of honesty in recovery, and the daily discipline required to stay sober and grounded. This episode highlights the reality of consequences, the power of community, and the role of faith and purpose in long-term recovery.


#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


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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:
00:01:07 - Tony Johnson introduction and welcome to the podcast
00:02:05 - Love language and words of affirmation discussion
00:11:28 - Childhood neglect and first exposure to weed in Seattle
00:21:50 - Getting shot and deciding to chase money and power
00:22:25 - Trauma from drug dealing and discovering Xanax
00:28:08 - Getting ran over and becoming addicted to pills and heroin
00:29:14 - Felonies stacking up and going to prison
00:31:01 - Marriage destruction, prison time, and Suboxone charges
00:32:00 - Adopted mom’s tough love and rock bottom realization
00:54:19 - First Narcotics Anonymous meeting and feeling at home
00:55:15 - Addiction mentality and making amends in recovery
01:09:20 - Responsibility in behavioral health and fentanyl crisis message
01:10:40 - Closing thoughts and sharing God’s message

Arrested Before He Could Unalive Himself with Jaron Lyle | The Hopeaholics Podcast #324


In this episode of the Hopeaholics Podcast, Jaron Lyle shares his powerful story of addiction, prison, suicide attempts, faith, loss, and redemption, opening up about growing up in Arlington, Texas, his struggles with drugs and alcohol, losing relationships, the death of his younger brother, and the moment his life began to change after hitting rock bottom. Jaron talks about his journey through Christian missionary work, prison, rehab, and recovery, the role his father’s unconditional love played in saving his life, and how tattoos, fitness, social media, and personal growth became part of his healing process. He also discusses learning to date himself, finding purpose through pain, letting go of past relationships with gratitude, and using his voice to help others who are struggling, delivering a raw and honest message that recovery is possible, purpose can come from pain, and hope can be found even in the darkest moments. This conversation dives deep into mental health, accountability, and the daily discipline required to stay sober and emotionally grounded. Whether you are in recovery, supporting someone who is struggling, or simply looking for inspiration, this episode offers a real and unfiltered look at what it means to rebuild a life and choose hope every day.


#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:
00:02:28 - Growing up in Arlington Texas and early life
00:06:23 - Tattoo meaning and suicide attempts in 2024
00:08:24 - Arrest in driveway that stopped suicide attempt
00:10:16 - Pastor’s kid background and view of God and the universe
00:17:31 - Father bailing him out and youngest brother’s death
00:22:15 - First exposure to drugs in high school
00:25:13 - Christian missionary work and introduction to OxyContin
00:26:20 - Prison, treatment, marriage, and recovery timeline
00:36:40 - Five things he focuses on to maintain recovery
00:39:11 - Dating himself and healing after relationship
00:43:07 - Two healed people in relationships and happiness vs joy
00:56:21 - Relationship separation and choosing personal growth
00:59:13 - Losing her as the catalyst for change and gratitude
01:05:41 - Final message about sharing pain and leading others out of darkness

9 Years of Heroin and Meth Addiction with Ashley Moore | The Hopeaholics Podcast


In this emotional episode of the Hopeaholics Podcast, Ashley Moore shares her powerful story of trauma, addiction, motherhood, and recovery. Growing up with deep emotional pain and the loss of her father at a young age, Ashley struggled to cope and began searching for validation and escape, eventually leading to cocaine, heroin, meth, and a nine-year cycle of addiction and treatment. She opens up about the devastating impact addiction had on her life, including losing custody of her son, overdosing on fentanyl on her 35th birthday, and facing the overwhelming shame and consequences of her choices. Through honest reflection, Ashley talks about the pain of watching addiction affect her role as a mother and the moment she realized something had to change. Her journey highlights the power of community, humility, forgiveness, and doing the hard inner work required to rebuild a life in recovery. Today, Ashley focuses on healing through breathwork, emotional regulation, and helping others find hope in their darkest moments. This conversation is a raw and inspiring reminder that no matter how far someone falls, recovery, purpose, and healing are always possible. The hosts also dive into the importance of accountability, support systems, and creating a new identity in sobriety. If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, this episode offers hope, honesty, and a message that lasting change can happen.


#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:
00:10:49 - Dad’s Death and Family Support System
00:11:59 - Wilderness Program and Childhood Trauma
00:13:00 - Suppressing Emotions and Seeking External Validation
00:18:33 - Behavior Modification School and Best Friend’s Death
00:20:03 - “Comeback Ashley Moore Club” and Feeling Loved
00:22:18 - First Love, Cocaine at 18, and Heroin Addiction Begins
00:23:05 - 9-Year Heroin, Meth, and Rehab Cycle
00:37:28 - Addiction Affecting Motherhood and Taking Son to School Late
00:38:33 - Fentanyl Overdose on 35th Birthday
00:39:23 - Friends Confront Her During Meth and Fentanyl Use
00:40:02 - Losing Custody and Neighbors Witnessing Addiction
00:40:24 - Getting Sober Again and Facing Shame and Fear
00:52:35 - Hopelessness, Humility, and Forgiveness in Recovery
00:57:02 - Legal System, Sentencing, and Recovery Statistics
00:58:48 - Healing, Breathwork, and Regulating Internal State

Facing 13 Years in Prison Over Meth and Cocaine with Joe Taback | The Hopeaholics Podcast


In this intense episode of the Hopeaholics Podcast, Joe Taback shares his powerful story of addiction, crime, prison, and ultimate redemption. Growing up in Orange County as the oldest of six kids, Joe was surrounded by chaos early on, including a brother serving life in prison, which shaped his outlook on life and choices. His addiction to cocaine and meth spiraled into a dangerous lifestyle involving stolen cars, guns, and running from the law, eventually leading to an arrest that could have put him behind bars for 13 years. Joe opens up about the moment he found himself praying in the back of a cop car for one last chance and how that turning point became the beginning of real change. After fighting his sentence down to three years and staying committed to recovery in prison, he rebuilt his life through faith, accountability, and service to others. Today, Joe works in the recovery space and helps people heal through programs like Rock to Recovery, using his past to inspire hope and transformation. This conversation dives deep into the realities of addiction, the consequences of destructive choices, and the power of second chances. It’s a raw and honest reminder that even in the darkest moments, redemption and purpose are still possible.


#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:
00:01:12 - Driving in From Garden Grove and Orange County Background
00:06:05 - Family Background and Being the Oldest of Six Kids
00:07:22 - Brother Doing Life in Prison for Murder
00:29:49 - Treatment Industry and Putting Clients Before Money
00:33:09 - Relapse and Getting Sober at 26
00:34:41 - AA Panels in Prison and Early Exposure to Recovery
00:36:23 - Absconding From Parole and Desperation for Help
00:37:25 - Praying in the Back of a Cop Car for One Chance
00:38:17 - Clean Drug Test Miracle and 30 Meetings in 30 Days
00:41:18 - Kids and Relationship Leading Back to Cocaine and Meth
00:42:17 - Red Roof Inn, Stolen Cars, Guns, and Rock Bottom
00:43:20 - Task Force Kicks in Door and Arrest Becomes Clean Date
00:43:44 - Fighting 13-Year Sentence Down to 3 Years
00:44:05 - Staying Clean in Prison and Program Autopilot After Release
00:49:19 - Helping a Friend in Deep Addiction and Psychosis
00:51:22 - Friend Gets 6 Years Clean and Thrives in Recovery
00:52:15 - Life Today and Working With Rock to Recovery Through Music

Trapped in Addiction With No Way Out w/ Natalie Miotti | The Hopeaholics Podcast


In this powerful episode of the Hopeaholics Podcast, Natalie Miotti shares her raw and emotional journey through addiction, loss, and recovery. Growing up in Ojai, California, Natalie opens up about how her substance use escalated from partying in college to a dangerous cycle involving heroin and meth, leading to blackouts, toxic relationships, and a life she could no longer control. She speaks candidly about the devastating loss of her brother to a fentanyl overdose and how that tragedy deeply impacted her path. Despite multiple relapses and hitting rock bottom, Natalie found the strength to pursue recovery and rebuild her life with purpose. This conversation dives into the harsh realities of addiction, the grip it can have on young people, and the resilience it takes to break free. Her story is a reminder that even in the darkest moments, there is still a way out and a reason to keep going. The hosts reflect on the importance of community, honesty, and accountability in long-term sobriety. If you or someone you love is struggling, this episode offers hope, perspective, and proof that recovery is possible.


#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:
00:01:28 - Growing Up in Ojai, California
00:02:06 - Brother’s Fentanyl Overdose
00:08:25 - Going to University of San Francisco
00:09:14 - Brother Sees How Bad Addiction Got
00:10:18 - Addiction Gets Worse After Community College
00:12:26 - Heavy Drug Use and Blackouts
00:12:54 - Accidentally Coming Out on April Fool’s Day
00:13:32 - Using Heroin Again With Friends
00:14:21 - Family Intervenes and Suggests Treatment
00:32:39 - Leaving Treatment and Relapsing Into Toxic Relationship
00:34:06 - Escalation Into Meth and Heroin
00:34:59 - Criminal Activity and Dangerous Lifestyle
01:07:16 - Reflection on Addiction and Recovery
01:08:43 - Finding Faith and Purpose
01:09:11 - Loss That Inspired the Podcast Mission
01:10:32 - Purpose of Sharing Recovery Stories

Getting 3 DUI's Before 18 with Laisha Martinez | The Hopeaholics Podcast


In this powerful episode of the Hopeaholics Podcast, we sit down with Laisha Martinez to share her raw and inspiring story of addiction, recovery, and redemption. Laisha opens up about growing up in North Carolina, starting substance use at a young age, and quickly spiraling into a dangerous cycle of Xanax and alcohol abuse that led to multiple DUIs and life-threatening situations. After hitting rock bottom at just 18 years old, she made the life-changing decision to enter treatment in Malibu, where she began rebuilding her life through recovery, the 12 steps, and deep personal growth. Now over four years sober, Laisha uses her voice and her podcast, Fck the Stigma*, to help break the stigma around addiction and mental health while inspiring others that recovery is possible at any age. This conversation dives into the realities of addiction, the power of community and spirituality in recovery, and how healing can turn even the darkest chapters into a purpose-driven life. She also shares the painful loss of a close friend and how that experience strengthened her commitment to staying sober and helping others. The hosts reflect on their own recovery journeys, discussing the daily work it takes to maintain sobriety and personal growth. If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, this episode is a reminder that change is possible and that no one has to face recovery alone.


Check out F#CK THE STIGMA here: https://www.youtube.com/@fthestigma


#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:
00:02:06 - Starting the Fuck the Stigma Podcast
00:02:32 - Getting Sober in Malibu and Moving Back to LA
00:04:02 - Growing Up in North Carolina
00:05:30 - First Time Trying Weed at 14
00:09:15 - First Time Drinking and Blacking Out
00:11:58 - First Time Trying Xanax
00:13:15 - Falling in Love With Blacking Out
00:18:09 - First DUI at 17
00:20:13 - Second DUI and Escalating Addiction
00:23:11 - Third DUI and Hitting Rock Bottom
00:26:09 - Being Told to Go to Treatment
00:27:44 - Arriving at Rehab in Malibu
00:28:36 - Realizing She Might Be an Alcoholic
00:30:21 - Getting a Sponsor and Entering Sober Living
00:32:17 - Codependency and Drug Use With Best Friend
00:32:43 - Finding Out Her Best Friend Died
00:35:44 - Learning to Rely on God in Sobriety
00:37:09 - Reaching Four and a Half Years Sober
00:47:02 - Handling Problems in Sobriety Without Using

Healing through BRAIN SPOTTING with Sonia Guilfoos | The Hopeaholics Podcast #319


In this episode of the Hopeaholics Podcast, we sit down with Sonia Guilfoos to talk about her powerful story of addiction, trauma, faith, and recovery. Sonia opens up about one of the darkest moments of her life, when she found herself alone in a hotel room deep in addiction and questioning whether she even wanted to keep living. She shares the turning point that changed everything, the unexpected moment that gave her hope, and how faith ultimately played a major role in helping her rebuild her life. We also dive into deeper conversations about PTSD, healing from trauma, and the importance of taking responsibility in recovery. Sonia also explains the work she does today helping others heal through mental health and trauma-focused therapy. This episode is a raw and honest conversation about hitting rock bottom, finding purpose again, and learning how to truly heal. We talk about how addiction and trauma can shape the way people see themselves and the world around them. Sonia shares powerful insight into the healing process and what it takes to move forward after years of pain. Her story is a reminder that even in the darkest moments, there is always a path toward hope and recovery.


#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:
00:22:41 - Untreated PTSD and Self-Destructive Behavior During Addiction
00:23:10 - Getting High Alone and Preparing for a Possible Overdose
00:23:42 - The Toxic Relationship That Later Became Her Marriage
00:24:12 - Looking in the Mirror and Not Recognizing Herself
00:24:34 - Feeling Shame and Losing Her Identity
00:25:13 - Finding the Gideon Bible in the Hotel Room
00:26:17 - Waking Up the Next Morning With Unexpected Peace
00:26:41 - A Stranger’s Smile That Gave Her Hope
00:27:03 - The Night She Believes God Saved Her Life
00:27:27 - Driving Back to Pomona Ready to Ask for Help
00:27:48 - Realizing She Had to Humble Herself and Go Back to Her Mom’s
00:28:10 - Hearing Pastor Greg Laurie on the Radio
00:29:10 - Studying the Bible Alone Instead of Going to Rehab
00:29:33 - Finding Out She Was Pregnant Three Months Later
00:30:05 - Staying Away From Meth but Continuing to Drink
01:02:52 - How Drugs and Addiction Have Changed Over the Years
01:03:58 - What Brainspotting Therapy Is
01:04:21 - How Brainspotting Helps People Heal Trauma
01:04:50 - Why the Body and Brain Naturally Know How to Heal
01:18:23 - Wrapping Up the Conversation With Sonia
01:18:36 - Sonia Shares Where People Can Find Her Podcasts and Work

"I CALLED EVERY REHAB IN LA AND THEY HUNG UP ON ME" with Keta Loren | The Hopeaholics Podcast

In this episode, we sit down with Keta Loren to talk about her powerful journey through addiction, survival, and rebuilding her life with purpose. Keta opens up about leaving home, finding herself in dangerous situations, and eventually falling into meth and heroin addiction while trying to figure out where she belonged. She shares the difficult road that led her to finally ask for help, the challenges she faced trying to get into treatment without insurance, and the moment that ultimately changed everything. We also dive into conversations about recovery, relapse, personal growth, and the mindset it takes to keep moving forward. Keta’s story is raw, honest, and inspiring for anyone who has struggled, felt stuck, or is searching for hope. We talk about the importance of believing in yourself even when life feels impossible, and how recovery can open the door to an entirely new life. Keta also shares how she’s using her voice, her music, and her platform to help others feel less alone in their struggles. This episode is a reminder that no matter how dark things get, change and healing are always possible.

#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:
00:19:47 - Escaping a Dangerous Situation and Taking a Greyhound to LA
00:20:08 - Falling Into Addiction in Los Angeles
00:20:35 - Realizing She Needed Rehab
00:21:19 - Calling Every Treatment Center Without Insurance
00:21:32 - The Rehab Scholarship That Changed Everything
00:50:13 - Learning to Stop Being Self-Consumed
00:51:16 - Leaving Her Hometown to Chase a Better Life
01:01:04 - Relapse, Shame, and the “Walk of Shame” in Recovery
01:02:19 - Surviving a Relapse That Almost Killed Him
01:05:29 - Accepting Help Instead of Trying to Be Superhuman
01:06:02 - Trusting Doctors and the Medical System in Recovery
01:21:06 - Talking About Friends and the Industry
01:23:32 - The Reality of People in the Adult Industry
01:24:20 - Believing You Can Make Money Anywhere
01:24:36 - Where to Find Keta Loren Online