Genuine Life Recovery with Jodie Stevens

Addicted Rapper Survives Heroin, Crime & Near Death-RAW RECOVERY STORY (Episode 162)

What happens when a promising young rapper from Philly spirals into full-blown addiction? Brian Storm went from smoking weed as a teen to surviving overdoses, homelessness, and the kind of darkness most don’t make it out of. This is his raw, real, and redemptive story. In this episode: 🔹 Heroin, crime, and near-death experiences 🔹 The trauma behind his addiction 🔹 Why music and faith helped him heal 🔹 And YES—Brian ends the podcast with a powerful freestyle 🎤🔥 Whether you're recovering, know someone who is, or just want a mind-blowing, true redemption story—this one hits deep. 📘 Based on his book The Struggle 🎧 Listen, Watch, and SUBSCRIBE for more powerful recovery stories 👇 Drop a comment if this story moved you, and help us reach more people by liking and sharing.

 

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Navy SEAL Reveals Missing Link in Youth Development Today (Ep. 161)

In this episode of Genuine Life Recovery, we dive into an incredible redemption story of faith-based recovery, resilience, and healing. My guest, Tom J. LaGrave Jr., is a former Navy SEAL, clinical social worker, and a man who has walked the difficult path of addiction recovery. Once lost in addiction, Tom found hope, healing, and purpose, and now he’s committed to helping young people rise above their struggles and transform their lives. What we cover in this episode: Overcoming Addiction & Rebuilding Life – Tom’s personal journey through recovery from addiction and his mission to help others break the cycle. The Crisis Facing Today’s Youth – Why young people are struggling more than ever and how youth mentorship can make a difference. The Power of Rites of Passage – How structured challenges, responsibility, and biblical wisdom can build resilience and mental toughness. Tom LaGrave is living proof that no one is beyond redemption. A former Navy SEAL whose military career was cut short due to addiction, he fought his way back, found recovery, and committed his life to helping others heal from trauma. With over 35 years of experience in mental health and youth mentorship, he now works to guide the next generation through life’s toughest transitions. Tune in now to hear a story of hope, healing, and faith-based recovery. Check out Tom's book Special Welfare . Social Warfare -Adolescence to Adulthood-A Guidebook

 

#RecoveryJourney #HealingAndHope #RiseAbove #BreakTheCycle #GenuineLifeRecovery

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