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

Destroying My Life Until God Stepped In with Britt Gusmus | The Hopeaholics Podcast

In this episode of the Hopeaholics Podcast, we sit down with Britt Gusmus to talk about his journey through addiction, recovery, and finding purpose through faith. Britt shares powerful stories from his past, the challenges he faced along the way, and how his relationship with God helped transform his life. The conversation also dives into his passion for coaching, leadership, and helping others discover hope and direction in their own recovery. This episode is full of honest moments, encouragement, and real talk about what it takes to rebuild your life and keep moving forward. We also talk about the importance of accountability, surrounding yourself with the right people, and staying committed to personal growth. Britt opens up about the lessons he learned through adversity and how those experiences shaped the man he is today. His perspective on discipline, mindset, and faith brings a powerful message for anyone trying to change their life. Whether you’re in recovery or simply looking for inspiration, this conversation is packed with wisdom and hope.

#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:
00:02:45 - Quarterback And Coaching Background
00:03:21 - Born In Memphis And Raised In Denver
00:04:03 - Cherry Creek High School Winning Culture
00:04:22 - Drafted By The Houston Astros
00:05:31 - Reputation Ruining Baseball Opportunities
00:06:19 - Performing For Approval
00:07:05 - Mickey Mantle Persona And Party Lifestyle
00:07:58 - Identity Crisis After Baseball
00:09:43 - Jekyll And Hyde Addiction
00:11:08 - Addiction Escalates To Meth And Drug Houses
00:12:35 - Recovery Becoming The Foundation Of Life
00:13:11 - The Do-Or-Die Moment At Age 31
00:14:02 - Labor Day Weekend Collapse And Moment Of Clarity
00:15:09 - First AA Meeting With Ninth Grade Teacher
00:16:24 - Returning Two Years Later Ready For Recovery
00:17:10 - Marijuana Maintenance Period
00:17:31 - Final Sobriety Date (9-19-2005)
00:18:10 - Core Themes Of His Addiction
00:19:50 - Starting Life Over In Recovery
00:21:02 - Becoming A Man Through Recovery
00:22:05 - Finding Fellowship Through Recovery Softball
00:23:14 - Learning To Surrender Instead Of Compete
00:24:08 - Being Fully Seen By The Recovery Community
00:26:31 - Engagement And Recovery Softball MVP Moment
00:27:26 - From Drunkest Guy At The Party To Recovery Leader

Tackled by 6 Cops During Meth Psychosis with Marley May | The Hopeaholics Podcast

On this episode of the Hopeaholics Podcast, Marley May shares her powerful story of growing up around addiction, losing her father to suicide at 13, and spiraling into substance abuse as a teenager—including drinking at 14, using cocaine and meth with family members, and experiencing full-blown psychosis. She opens up about trauma, toxic environments, hitting emotional bottoms, and the moment she finally chose sobriety at 21. Now married, a mother, and active in recovery, Marley talks about young people in sobriety, finding fellowship, overcoming shame, and building a life she never thought was possible. This is a raw, honest conversation about generational addiction, accountability, faith, service, and the daily work it takes to stay sober and break the cycle. Marley also reflects on blaming others for her addiction, learning to take responsibility through the steps, and how recovery transformed her relationships. She shares what it’s like navigating sobriety as a young mom and why community became her saving grace. If you’ve ever struggled with feeling like the “odd one out,” battled self-doubt, or questioned whether real change is possible, this episode will remind you that no one is too far gone for a new beginning.

#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:
02:13 - Quick Marriage & Husband’s Early Sobriety
03:19 - Nine Months Pregnant Wedding
04:24 - Dad’s Addiction & Suicide at 13
05:30 - Feeling Like the “Odd Man Out”
08:42 - Growing Up in Pomona, Upland & San Clemente
09:24 - Abusive Stepdad & Chaotic Home Life
11:02 - First Time Drinking at 14
11:58 - Doing Coke with Stepdad
12:04 - Doing Meth with Mom
12:39 - Meth Psychosis & Tackled by Cops
13:31 - Moment of Clarity & Reaching Out for Help
14:36 - Moving in with Grandma & In-Person Meetings
16:12 - Getting Sober at 21
18:24 - Young People’s Meeting That Changed Everything
19:54 - Excited After First Fellowship Night
24:59 - Gratitude for Recovery & Service
26:10 - Reflecting on Using with Her Mom
27:24 - Addictive Traits Since Childhood
29:00 - Dry Drunk Phase & Reworking the Steps

Showing Up to AA Completely Drunk with Ryan Kennedy | The Hopeaholics Podcast

In this powerful episode, Ryan Kennedy opens up about his raw journey from the depths of addiction to 16 months of hard-earned sobriety. From hitting true rock bottom—complete with a brutal fall down concrete stairs after a seizure, hiding wine bags under his bed during relapses, terrifying cocaine-induced psychosis where he believed his family was hiding in the house for a week, and the heartbreaking loss of his sister to a fentanyl overdose—to finding hope through rehab, AA meetings, daily acts of service like driving his 90-year-old AA buddy, and even launching his own podcast "Rock Bottom with Ryan," this conversation is packed with honest, relatable stories of struggle, relapse realities ("every relapse is worse than the last"), hallucinations (Drake's "Started From the Bottom" looping endlessly on a 30-day bender), and ultimate redemption. Ryan shares how a nun from his childhood school prayed over him in the hospital, how his mom got sober alongside him and now they chair meetings together, and why rehab ultimately saved his life. If you're battling addiction, supporting a loved one, or just need inspiration that rock bottom can lead to real change, this episode is a must-watch. Tune in for unfiltered hope, humor, and proof that recovery is possible—no matter how low things get.

#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:
00:05:51 - Full Psychosis: Thought His Entire Family Was Hiding in the House for a Week
00:06:54 - Showing Up to AA Completely Plastered – Ryan’s Wild First Meeting
00:08:06 - Heartbreak: Ryan Loses His Best Friend (Sister) to Fentanyl
00:09:36 - Last Relapse Low: Hiding Wine Bags Under the Bed
00:11:30 - How "Rock Bottom with Ryan" Podcast Was Born on a Road Trip
00:13:51 - 16 Months Sober and Counting – Ryan’s Current Victory Lap
00:14:16 - The Fall That Changed Everything: Seizure, Concrete Stairs, Face Destroyed
00:15:15 - Nun from Childhood School Prays Over Ryan in Hospital Bed
00:16:11 - "Rehab Saved My Life" – Ryan’s Defining Hospital Moment
00:25:28 - Daily Rides for a 90-Year-Old AA Buddy – Ryan’s Favorite Act of Service
00:31:40 - Shadow People Horror: Ryan’s Terrifying Cocaine Psychosis
00:46:35 - Mom & Son Both Sober – Now They Chair Meetings Together
01:04:23 - Harsh Reality: "Every Relapse Is Worse Than the Last"
01:09:13 - Drake’s "Started From the Bottom" on Repeat During 30-Day Bender Nightmare

Chris Van Vliet: Stop Doing This If You Want to Succeed | The Hopeaholics Podcast

In this episode of the The Hopeaholics Podcast, we sit down with Chris Van Vliet to talk about the mindset, discipline, and persistence it takes to build a successful career in media and content creation. Chris shares his journey from getting started in broadcasting to landing major opportunities, navigating career setbacks, and ultimately creating one of the most recognized interview platforms in his space. The conversation dives into confidence on camera, personal branding, consistency, taking professional risks, and the habits that separate people who succeed from those who quit. Whether you’re a creator, entrepreneur, or someone chasing a big goal, this episode is packed with practical insights, motivation, and real-world lessons on resilience, growth, and defining success on your own terms.

Check out Chris Van Vliet's Episode with Natalie:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P6mq0W7yAVA

#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:
00:01:42 — Getting Started in Broadcasting
00:05:18 — The First Big Career Break
00:09:47 — Learning Confidence on Camera
00:14:03 — Moving Cities for Opportunity
00:18:29 — Early Career Struggles
00:23:11 — Interviewing Celebrities for the First Time
00:28:56 — Building a Personal Brand
00:34:40 — Taking Risks Professionally
00:40:12 — Mindset and Self-Improvement
00:47:05 — Transitioning Into Podcasting
00:53:27 — Consistency and Discipline
01:00:44 — Career Setbacks and Resilience
01:08:19 — Advice for Content Creators
01:15:33 — Defining Success Personally
01:23:58 — Gratitude and Perspective

1 Billion Hugs with Reed Byers | The Hopeaholics Podcast

In this powerful episode of the The Hopeaholics Podcast, we sit down with Reed Byers to share his raw and inspiring journey through addiction, consequences, recovery, and purpose. Reed opens up about how substance use gradually took control of his life, the painful turning points that forced him to confront reality, and the mindset shifts that helped him rebuild from the ground up. He talks honestly about accountability, faith, repairing relationships, and the difficult process of learning how to live again without substances. One of the most moving parts of the conversation is his mission behind “1 Billion Hugs,” a reminder of the power of human connection, compassion, and showing people they are not alone in their struggles. This episode is filled with hope, hard truths, and practical encouragement for anyone battling addiction or loving someone who is, proving that no matter how far someone falls, purpose and healing are still possible.

Check out the 1 Billion Hugs Mission:
https://www.1billionhugs.com

#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:
00:02:11 — Early Life and Background
00:06:48 — First Exposure to Addiction
00:11:35 — Escalation Into Substance Use
00:18:02 — Consequences and Legal Trouble
00:24:19 — Hitting a Personal Low Point
00:31:07 — The Turning Point Decision
00:38:44 — Entering Recovery
00:46:10 — Struggles in Early Sobriety
00:52:58 — Faith and Perspective Shift
01:00:26 — Rebuilding Relationships
01:08:13 — Lessons Learned Through Recovery
01:15:47 — Accountability and Ownership
01:22:05 — Helping Others Find Recovery
01:27:54 — The “1 Billion Hugs” Mission
01:30:41 — Purpose After Addiction
01:38:59 — Message of Hope