Genuine Life Recovery with Jodie Stevens

From Stanley Cup to Sobriety: Brent Sopel's Battle with Dyslexia & Addiction (160)

Join us for an inspiring episode as I, your host Jodie Stevens, sit down with Stanley Cup Champion Brent Sopel to delve into our shared experiences with dyslexia and addiction recovery. Diagnosed with dyslexia only after his daughter's diagnosis, Brent reflects on his undiagnosed struggles during his youth, the coping mechanisms he developed, and how these challenges intertwined with his battle against addiction. We explore how dyslexia shaped his exceptional "hockey brain," offering him a distinctive edge on the ice. Brent also shares his mission through the Brent Sopel Foundation, aiming to support and empower individuals with learning disabilities. This conversation sheds light on the profound connection between learning disabilities and mental health, emphasizing resilience, self-acceptance, and the transformative power of advocacy.   

Addiction, Grief, & Surviving the Murder of a Loved One (Ep. 159).

Grief can break you, or it can lead you to a new path. In this episode, Amy Sazama shares her deeply personal journey through unimaginable loss of the death of her mother, the murder of her twin brother, and the generational trauma that shaped her struggles with addiction. She opens up about how grief impacted her mental health, how she turned to substances to cope, and what finally led her to sobriety. We’ll also explore the healing power of fitness, kindness, and finding purpose, and how small shifts can lead to life-changing transformation. Whether you’ve faced loss, addiction, or mental health struggles, this conversation will leave you with hope, resilience, and practical tools for healing. Connect with Amy and pick up a copy of her book Fleetwood Dreams: Climbing a Mountain after a Landslide  

From Booze to Sugar: Breaking Free from the Addiction Swap with Mike Collins (Episode 158).

What happens when you quit drinking, only to find yourself hooked on sugar? Mike Collins knows this struggle all too well. After overcoming alcohol addiction, he realized that sugar was becoming his new crutch—triggering the same cravings, mood swings, and withdrawals. Now, after 30 years of living sugar-free, he’s on a mission to help others break the cycle.

In this episode of Genuine Life Recovery, Mike shares his journey from substance addiction to discovering the hidden dangers of sugar dependency. We explore how sugar affects the brain like a drug, why so many in recovery turn to sweets, and how to break free from the addiction swap. Mike also dives into the role of faith in healing, how the Serenity Prayer helped him surrender his cravings, and practical steps to quit sugar for good.

If you’ve ever reached for candy instead of a drink, felt powerless over sugar cravings, or just want to understand how addiction works on a deeper level—this episode is for you! Tune in for eye-opening insights, recovery wisdom, and the tools you need to take control of your health and freedom. Click HERE to find out about Mike's program and get the FREE book THE LAST RESORT SUGAR DETOX GUIDE

Breaking Free: Sex, Love, and Addiction: A Real Talk on Healing and Hope (Episode 157)

Breaking Free: Sex, Love, and Addiction: A Real Talk on Healing and Hope (Episode 157)

Why do people become addicted to sex and love? Is it really just about physical desire, or is there something deeper? In this powerful episode, we speak with therapist Mike Vaughn, a leading expert on sex addiction recovery, to uncover the underlying issues behind these struggles. We discuss how trauma plays a major role in all forms of addiction, why shame keeps people silent, and how the world’s distortion of sex has led to unhealthy cycles of addiction. We also explore the deep emotional and relational wounds that often drive people toward sex and love addiction as a way to self-soothe or seek connection. Additionally, we address an important but often overlooked reality: women struggle with sexual addiction, too, yet many feel too ashamed to seek help. But there is hope. Recovery is possible, and healing begins with truth, grace, and a biblical understanding of sex as a gift from God. Whether you’re battling addiction, supporting a loved one, or simply curious about the topic, this episode offers real talk, biblical wisdom, and practical steps toward freedom.

Freedom from Same-Sex Attraction & Meth Addiction with Patrick Quezada (Episode 156)

Freedom from Same-Sex Attraction & Meth Addiction with Patrick Quezada (Episode 156)

Raised in an environment of brokenness and rejection, Patrick Quezada turned to addiction and the pursuit of an identity that left him empty. After years of battling same-sex attraction and crystal meth addiction, his struggles were compounded by the trauma of being sexually exploited by a pastor—an experience that deepened his wounds and highlighted the painful misunderstandings surrounding abuse and identity within church culture. But after a radical encounter with God, Patrick found true healing, freedom, and purpose. In this episode, we explore his powerful testimony, the impact of generational strongholds, and how the Serenity Prayer offers wisdom for  overcoming addiction, identity struggles, and deep spiritual wounds.

Patrick shares how faith transformed his life and how he now helps others find freedom. To learn more about his story, check out his book Open My Encrypted Heart, available at openmyencryptedheart.com. 

RADIO RECOVERY REDEMPTION (Episode 155)

Tune into this episode previously recorded live. I'm joined by my former morning radio co-host, Charlee Simons, as we dive into our wild journeys in the radio industry, our struggles with addiction, and how God completely turned our lives around. We’re talking about loss, faith, and redemption—and of course, sharing plenty of laughs along the way. And if you ever listened to us on the radio, you already know… you never know what Charlee is going to say! Stick around, join the conversation, and let’s get real about recovery and faith! Charlee Simons is a radio host and also hosts several podcast including Do Not Talk on Rumble and YouTube

Goodbye 9-to-5, Hello Serenity: Lisa Williams on Grief, God, and Letting Go (Episode 154)

Are you stuck on a life path that feels more like a rut than a road to joy? In this inspirational episode of the Serenity Series on Genuine Life Recovery, I reconnects with my childhood friend Lisa Williams to explore how the Serenity Prayer can help us face life’s twists and turns with courage and grace.

Lisa shares her incredible journey of walking away from a 23-year corporate career—a decision fueled by the heartbreak of losing her mother and best friend in less than a year. But what seemed like chaos at first turned into a divine invitation for transformation. Through grief, career upheaval, and soul-deep healing, Lisa discovered the beauty of trusting God with the unknown.

From redefining success beyond the 9-to-5 grind to finding comfort in programs like Celebrate Recovery, Lisa’s story is a testament to God’s ability to bring purpose from pain. If you’re navigating loss, burnout, or a major crossroads, this conversation will give you the hope and courage to embrace your God-led adventure!

A Will to Live: The Chad Gaines Story (Episode 153)

A Will to Live: The Chad Gaines Story  (Episode 153)

What would you do if your darkest secrets were suddenly exposed? In this gripping episode, we dive deep into the life of Chad Gaines—a man who lived through unimaginable trauma, addiction, and self-destruction but refused to let his story end in tragedy. From abuse and bullying to surviving multiple suicide attempts, Chad’s journey is raw, real, and unforgettable.

His story is so powerful, Angel Studios is making a movie about it called Pocket of Hope. —and after hearing this episode, you’ll understand why. Chad takes us behind the scenes of his unrelenting fight for survival, the moments that brought him to the brink, and how he found the courage to rise above it all.

This episode doesn’t shy away from the hard truths, addressing topics like mental health, the aftermath of abuse, and the dangerous allure of addiction. It's not just a conversation; it’s a testament to human resilience and the will to fight for a better life.

⚠ Trigger Warning: This episode includes graphic discussions of suicide, abuse, and self-harm, which may be difficult for some listeners. Please listen with care.

Join us as we uncover the layers of Chad’s story and explore the deep scars—and incredible redemption—that define his journey. His raw honesty might just change the way you view survival, hope, and healing.

Don’t miss “A Will to Survive: The Chad Gaines Story.” Tune in now for one of the most powerful stories you’ll hear this year. Read Chad's book and find out about the movie here: https://www.gaineschad.com/