Falling to Freedom

In Episode 26, host Chad LaComb speaks with Bridgette J. Peteet, PhD, MA.; professor of psychology at Loma Linda University. She is a licensed clinical psychologist and the author of (Dis)Honor Thy Mother: Daughterhood, Dysfunction and Deliverance. Together, they explore childhood trauma and the hidden roots of addiction. This episode addresses a subject that is often left unspoken. It looks at the harm that can grow when the mother-child relationship is shaped by neglect. It also considers emotional distance and dysfunction. Dr. Peteet draws from professional insight and personal experience. She explains how adverse childhood experiences can affect identity, showing how those experiences can shape mental health and relationships and increase the risk of addiction. Chad and Dr. Peteet discuss how destructive family patterns can pass from one generation to the next. They examine what it takes to break those cycles. Healing requires truth and courage. It also requires steady and intentional work. Their conversation points to the healing power of faith and highlights therapy and mentoring. Supportive communities can help people face the past; it can also help them build a healthier future. If you have ever wondered how childhood wounds continue to shape adult life, this is a conversation worth hearing. Don’t forget to Like, Follow, and Share. Let’s bring truth and healing into the conversation. #ChildhoodTrauma #AddictionRecovery #BreakingTheCycle

In Episode 25, host Chad LaComb sits down with Dr. Lu Wing, a molecular biologist and pastor, to explore the groundbreaking science of epigenetics and its profound intersection with addiction and faith. Dr. Wing, author of The Genes of Eden, explains that while we may inherit predispositions for addiction, our genes are not our destiny. We dive into the concept of Somatic Theology, the belief that our bodies are the "temple" where spiritual disciplines like prayer and meditation manifest as physical resilience. From the "Original Sin" of DNA methylation to the neuroplasticity of "progressive sanctification," this episode offers a roadmap for anyone looking to understand how a life in Christ literally rewires the brain and body for recovery. Don't forget to Like, Follow, and Share. Addiction is the secret many families keep. Let's bring the light of faith and science to the conversation. #Epigenetics #BiologyOfRecovery #SomaticTheology

In Episode 24, Chad sits down with Brooke Torres to share her powerful testimony of redemption. Brooke’s story begins with a childhood marked by divorce and a search for love that led her down a dark path. What started as "fitting in" with marijuana in the 8th grade quickly spiraled into a 15-year battle with meth, heroin, abusive relationships, and incarceration. Brooke opens up about the pain of losing custody of her firstborn son, the cycle of addiction that kept her bound, and the dangerous lifestyle that nearly took her life. But God had a different plan. From meeting her husband Tim in a flop house to living in a car in San Diego, Brooke shares the turning point that changed everything. Now 10 years clean and sober, Brooke is a testament to the fact that it is never too late to start over. She has been restored as a mother, a wife, and a servant of God. Today Brooke and her husband run an HVAC company and enjoy the important things in life...faith, family and friends. Join us as we discuss the impact of fatherless youth, the reality of gateway drugs, and the incredible freedom found in surrender. Brooke’s message is clear: Don’t wait. The more time you lose, the harder it is to get back. Make the choice to get help today. Need HVAC service in the Southwest Riverside area? Checkout Brooke and Tim's business. www.UpgradeHVAC.com. Subscribe to our channel for more stories of redemption. www.fullyrestored.org/podcast #FallingToFreedom #AddictionRecovery #RedemptionStory #FaithAndRecovery #Sobriety #Testimony #BrookeTorres #Hope

Is there a "missing link" in the recovery process?Most people view rehab as the finish line, but Cameron Birk argues it’s actually just the starting line. On this episode of Falling to Freedom, host Chad LaComb sits down with Cameron Birk, CEO of Absolute Ministries, to uncover why so many people stumble after treatment, and how to fix it.Cameron shares his personal journey from a life he calls a "dumpster fire" to leading a ministry that boasts an incredible 85% success rate for its graduates.In this conversation, we cover: The "Ugly Honesty" Concept: Why admitting the ugly stuff is the only way to heal. The 15/85 Rule: The specific ratio of correction vs. encouragement needed for mentorship. The Gap: Why "one size fits all" fails and how to bridge the gap between rehab and real life.Full Continuum of Care: We break down Absolute’s comprehensive model, which creates a complete path to freedom, starting with physician-led medical detox, moving to a 60-day residential inpatient program, and finishing with their signature transitional life housing to ensure long-term success.If you or a loved one are navigating the complexities of recovery, this episode offers a practical blueprint for what comes next.DROP A COMMENT: Have you ever heard of the concept of "Ugly Honesty"? Let us know what you think about it below!RESOURCES MENTIONED:● Absolute Ministries: www.absoluteministries.orgCONNECT WITH US:● Website: www.fullyrestored.org#Recovery #AddictionRecovery #FallingToFreedom #AbsoluteMinistries #MentalHealth#FaithBasedRecovery #Sobriety #Podcast #UglyHonesty

What kind of leader is willing to lose his own legs for the people he serves?In Episode 22 Courage, Compassion, and Sacrifice: The Andy Bales Story, host Chad LaComb sits down with a man who embodies all three. Andy Bales spent two decades on the front lines as CEO of the Union Rescue Mission on LA’s Skid Row, and his life tells the story of costly love.Andy doesn’t sugarcoat anything. He names homelessness for what it is, “the biggest crisis in America”, and walks us straight into the intersection of addiction, trauma, recovery, and hope.He breaks down what actually makes a difference: long-term residential care, real job training, and the “secret sauce” of peer-to-peer accountability and support.This conversation cuts through the noise and gives us a clear, compassionate look at solutions that work, and the courage it takes to live them out.Learn More:Union Rescue Mission (URM): www.urm.orgChildren and Family Urban Movement: www.cfum.orgFully Restored Ministries: www.fullyrestored.org#AndyBales #UnionRescueMission #Homelessness #Addiction #Recovery #SkidRow#LosAngeles #HomelessCrisis #FaithBasedSolutions #FallingToFreedomPodcast #Compassion#MentalHealth #InsideSafeProgram #LAHSA

Buckle up for a compelling 50-minute discussion on Falling to Freedom, where host Chad LaComb, recounting his own gritty road to restoration, talks with Dr. Ricky Bluthenthal. This USC powerhouse, with a UC Berkeley PhD and 200+ papers in top journals like The Lancet, knows addiction inside out: from HIV fights in the '80s in Oakland (even getting busted running a needle exchange program as a grad student) to unpacking booze's uneven toll on communities. Chad asks: Why pump tax dollars into needle exchange programs, Narcan kits, and Housing First if they just keep folks hooked? I’d rather see that cash fuel abstinence programs, ones that teach real skills for a substance-free life. Dr. Bluthenthal counters with: "You can't recover if you're dead." He suggests that data on how harm reduction, fentanyl strips and safe use sites—cuts deaths, HIV rates, and even nudges people toward quitting, all while tapping our brain's soft spot for positive reinforcement. Topics such as California's vetoed AB 255 for sober housing, LA's Measure J and CalAIM's low-barrier care push are among the topics; raw, real talk that challenges the narratives surrounding addiction's real fight. Watch on YouTube or stream it on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen to podcasts. #HarmReduction #AddictionRecovery #SoberLife #OpioidCrisis#MentalHealthAwareness #OpioidCrisis #MentalHealthMatters#SoberOctoberJump into the conversation: hit like, subscribe, and followhttps://www.facebook.com/TheFallingToFreedomPodcasthttps://www.instagram.com/TheFallingToFreedomPodcasthttps://www.youtube.com/@FallingtoFreedomPodcasthttps://x.com/FTFShowhttps://www.tiktok.com/@fallingtofreedomhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/thefallingtofreedompodcastGot ideas for future episodes or know an amazing guest? Shoot us a message, we are all aboutsparking these real talks in recovery. Let's keep building

Designed to Influence and Addict: Social Media’s Impact on Our ChildrenAmy Neville’s life changed forever when her son, Alexander, died at 14 from a fentanyl-laced pill he accessed through social media. Just 24 hours passed from his admission of experimenting with oxycodone to his tragic death.In this gripping episode of Falling to Freedom, Amy shares her heartbreaking story and her fight to hold social media platforms accountable for their role in addicting and endangering kids.We explore: - How Snapchat and similar apps enable teen drug access and addiction.- Amy’s role as lead plaintiff in a lawsuit against Snapchat.- Practical parenting tips: delaying smartphones, using flip phones, safe settings, monitoring feeds, and teaching kids about online risks.- Key resources like the DEA Drug Emoji Guide, Wait Until 8th Campaign, and healthy screen Habits.Resources and LinksAlexander Neville Foundation: https://anfhelp.orgDEA Drug Emoji Guide: https://dea.gov/emojiFully Restored Ministries: https://fullyrestoredministries.orgRecommended: The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt, Careless People, & Can’t Look AwayFollow Falling to Freedom:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheFallingToFreedomPodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/TheFallingToFreedomPodcastYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FallingtoFreedomPodcastX: https://x.com/FTFShowTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@fallingtofreedomLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thefallingtofreedompodcastSubscribe for stories of hope, awareness, and solutions to addiction and recovery.#OnePillCanKill #FentanylAwareness #ProtectOurKids #SocialMediaAddiction #ParentingTips

California is in crisis: addiction, homelessness, and crime are spiraling. Can one leader fix it?In this powerful interview, Sheriff Chad Bianco, candidate for Governor of California, joins host Chad LaComb on The Falling to Freedom Podcast to talk solutions rooted in law enforcement experience, faith, and problem-solving leadership.With more than 32 years in law enforcement, Bianco explains why the vast majority of crime is tied to drugs, how untreated mental illness fuels homelessness, and why he believes current harm-reduction policies only make things worse. Instead, he lays out his vision for treatment-first, abstinence-centered recovery and why placing offenders in rehab instead of jail could break the cycle of addiction and crime.Bianco also shares his personal convictions, shaped by family, faith, and integrity, that led him to move from policing into politics. He reflects on the turning point that inspired him to run for governor, the values that guide his leadership, and his commitment to surrounding himself not just with allies but with diverse voices who challenge him. His message is simple but bold: California’s problems can be solved with truth, accountability, and the courage to lead differently.This conversation isn’t just about politics, it’s about what it takes to restore a state that so many once came to for opportunity and freedom. Whether you agree or disagree with Bianco, this episode challenges us all to face reality, break destructive cycles, and fight for a better California.Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to The Falling to Freedom Podcast for more conversations on addiction, recovery, and leadership. Share this episode to keep the conversation going!Watch more episodes here: https://www.fullyrestored.org/podcastConnect with us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefallingtofreedompodcastQuestion for you: What’s the ONE change California needs most right now? Drop your thoughts in the comments.#FallingToFreedomPodcast #ChadBianco #CaliforniaPolitics

What if everything we think we know about crime prevention is backwards? In this compelling episode of Falling to Freedom, host Chad LaComb sits down with retired police sergeant and decorated Air Force veteran Michael Sugrue to uncover a hard truth from the front lines: most crime has a root; it’s fueled by addiction.From covert narcotics operations in California to the deadly realities of today’s fentanyl crisis, Sgt. Sugrue shares the rare perspective of someone who’s lived deep inside both law enforcement and the world of substance use disorder. He reveals how trauma, broken relationships, and untreated mental health struggles drive people into cycles of addiction, and how the justice system too often chases symptoms instead of causes.But this is more than a conversation about crime statistics. Sugrue opens up about his own breaking point after a fatal shooting, the silence that nearly destroyed his family and the healing that came when he finally spoke out. Today, as an author, speaker, and mental health advocate, he’s using his voice to reach first responders, veterans, and anyone who’s been told to “suck it up” and suffer in silence.If you want to go deeper into Michael’s story and learn practical strategies for surviving and overcoming front line trauma, check out his powerful book Relentless Courage: Winning the Battle Against Front line Trauma, co-authored with psychologist Dr. Shauna Springer.Like, follow, and share this episode to keep the conversation going.What do you think: if we focused more on addiction treatment, would crime rates drop? Let us know in the comments.#AddictionRecovery #CriminalJusticeReform #FirstResponderWellness

Join host Chad LaComb for an inspiring conversation with Mary Beth O’Connor, retired federal judge and author of 'From Junkie to Judge: One woman's triumph over trauma and addiction' as they explore her incredible journey from childhood trauma and methamphetamine addiction to lasting recovery. Mary Beth shares how she crafted a personalized recovery plan, rejecting one-size-fits-all models, and emphasizes the power of addressing trauma and mental health for true freedom. With 31 years sober, she offers hope and practical advice for anyone battling addiction or supporting a loved one.Listen now to discover how tailoring recovery to your unique needs can transform your life.Join the conversation: How has addiction touched your life, and what steps are you taking toward freedom? Share below!Subscribe to Falling to Freedom Podcast for more stories of resilience, recovery, and hope.#AddictionRecovery #FromJunkieToJudge #HarmReduction #MentalHealthAwareness #ChristianPodcast

What if a single story could light a spark for someone lost in the grip of addiction? That’s where we start.Hey there, I’m Chad LaComb, and I’m excited to share The Falling to Freedom Podcast. In this episode, I’m laying it all bare, my messy, real journey. Picture this: I was using drugs by 12, landed in prison, and hit rock bottom before finding redemption through Christ. It wasn’t pretty, but it’s my truth, and it’s the heartbeat of this podcast. This is just the start of something bigger.Addiction is everywhere. Maybe it’s drugs, gambling, or even scrolling endlessly on social media. It’s not just the person struggling; it’s the families, friends, and communities caught in the ripple effect. That’s why Falling to Freedom exists. We’re diving into raw, honest stories, some full of hope, others heavy with loss. You’ll hear from recovery experts, law enforcement, medical professionals, and everyday people who’ve been there. This podcast isn’t just for those fighting addiction; it’s for anyone who wants to understand this growing problem, support those going through it, or make a difference in event the smallest ways.Through my work with Fully Restored Ministries I’ve seen faith transform lives, mine included. This podcast is about sharing that hope, equipping people to heal, and building a community that grows together. So, come along for the ride.Check out the full episode on YouTube at www.youtube.com/@FallingtoFreedomPodcast or wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts.Got a story? Drop it in the comments, how has addiction touched your life? Let’s talk about it.Hit like, follow, and share to help spread hope. Join us as we chase freedom, one story at a time.#FallingToFreedom #AddictionRecovery #HopeAndHealing #FullyRestoredMinistries

From opiate addiction to leading others to freedom Rick Martinez shares his powerful story on Falling to Freedom. Discover how faith, the ‘dignity of work,’ and the Third Phase program at The Rivers Edge Ranch transforms lives. Share to spread hope! #AddictionRecovery #Faith #TheThirdPhase

Join host Chad LaComb for a powerful conversation with Dr. Glenn Potts, a clinical psychologist with over a decade at Patton State Hospital, as they dive into the psychology of addiction, mental health, and the transformative power of faith. Dr. Potts, who has worked with veterans and criminally insane patients, reveals how addiction, whether to substances, smartphones, pornography, or social media, intertwines with mental health challenges, and why a relationship with God is the foundation for lasting recovery.Listen now to explore how faith can overcome addiction in all its forms.Join the conversation: Have you noticed the pull of smartphones or social media in your life? Share your thoughts below!Subscribe to Falling to Freedom Podcast for more insights on faith, recovery, and mental health.#AddictionRecovery #FaithBasedHealing #MentalHealthAwareness #SmartphoneAddiction #ChristianPodcast

In this gripping episode of Falling to Freedom, retired Oakland firefighter Jason Sautel sits down with host Chad LaComb to expose the silent suffering behind the badge. From a chaotic and abusive childhood in Hemet, California, to the front lines of life-and-death emergencies, Jason’s journey is one of unimaginable pain, spiritual transformation, and ultimate redemption.Learn how childhood trauma and firefighting stress created the perfect storm for an emotional collapse. The mental and spiritual cost of rescuing others while losing himself brought Jason to his turning point:a haunting Bay Bridge jumper call that led to his moment of truth.Bold friendship and faith in Jesus brought him out of the darkness.Jason is now a passionate speaker, author of The Rescuer and Jesus Is All We Need, and host of the Jesus Is All We Need Podcast. Jason brings hope to first responders and anyone trapped in isolation, addiction, or despair.Let’s break the silence. Drop a comment below: What’s your story? How do you find freedom?Subscribe for weekly episodes that explore the intersection of addiction, trauma, and recovery through the lens of faith and real-life transformation.Like | Subscribe | Share#AddictionRecovery #FaithOverFear #TraumaHealing #MentalHealthMatters #JesusIsAllWeNeed #FirstResponderSupport #TheRescuer

Join host Chad LaComb for a powerful episode of Falling to Freedom as Matt Capelouto shares his heart-wrenching story of loss and relentless fight for justice. After his daughter Alexandra died from a single fentanyl-laced counterfeit pill she believed was Percocet, Matt turned grief into action. He spearheaded Alexandra’s Law to hold drug dealers accountable and is now a leading voice in the battle against the fentanyl crisis. Learn about the dangers of counterfeit pills, the urgent need for education and mental health support, and how Matt’s mission at www.stopdrughomicide.org is saving lives. A story of tragedy,resilience, and hope, don’t miss this call to action. #FentanylCrisis #AlexandrasLaw #OnePillKills

In this powerful episode of Falling To Freedom, host Chad LaComb sits down with Devin O’Day, Chief Development Officer at First Responder-Wellness in Newport Beach, to explore the unseen struggles of first responders, police, firefighters, EMS, and military. With addiction and trauma affecting these heroes at twice the rate of the general population, Devin, 15 years sober, shares his transformative journey from addiction’s depths to leading a mission to save lives. The episode dives into the unique challenges first responders face: a “toughness” culture that stigmatizes vulnerability, fear of career repercussions, and the toll of job-related PTSD and moral injury from “sticky calls.” Devin reveals how hyper-vigilance, disassociation, and self-medication with alcohol or drugs can spiral, with suicide claiming more first responder lives than line-of-duty deaths.Through the lens of First Responder Wellness, which treats 345 individuals annually, Devin highlights solutions: culturally competent care, peer support like the First Responder Fellowship, and holistic wellness encompassing hobbies, relationships, and purpose. His message is clear, recovery is possible with honest acknowledgment and community support.This raw, hopeful conversation is a call to break stigma, foster resilience, and prioritize first responder wellness. Tune in to discover practical steps for healing and how we can all support our heroes.Stream now at fullyrestored.org/podcast and visit firstresponder-wellness.com for resources. Join us in championing mental health and hope. @FallingToFreedom @FirstResponderWellness

Can you rise above a past that includes gangs, addiction, and prison? Host Chad LaComb sits down with DeShun Wooten, owner of The Press Espresso’s five Southwest Riverside coffee shops, in the vibrant cigar-lounge ambiance of their Old Town Murrieta location. DeShun shares his journey from a fatherless youth and seven years in prison to building a thriving business through faith, southern hospitality, and persistence. Discover how he pressed on, inspired by Philippians 3:14, and why your past doesn’t have to define your future. Subscribe and join the conversation! @ThePressEspresso #AddictionRecovery #PressOn #FallingToFreedom

What role does community play in transforming addiction into redemption? In this moving episode of Falling to Freedom, Doug Whiteman, Executive Director of The River’s Edge Ranch, shares his journey from drug use to leading a faith-based recovery program. Discover how accountability, purpose, and the “wrap-around” model at River’s Edge Ranch transforms lives with insights on tough love, animal-assisted therapy, and the dignity of work. Join us to explore why community support is key to healing. Subscribe for weekly discussions tackling addiction head-on.(Approx. 45 min, Released April 24, 2025)

In Episode 8 of Falling to Freedom, host Chad LaComb sits down with Karen Streeter for a deeply moving conversation about her son Kai, who tragically lost his life to a fentanyl overdose at 21 on June 6, 2024. Falling to Freedom is the weekly podcast that confronts addiction head-on, unpacking its root causes, devastating effects, and potential solutions with raw honesty and hope.Karen shares Kai’s vibrant legacy, a funny, bright, athletic, and faithful young man who loved reading, writing, and serving others, while candidly recounting his descent into addiction starting in his teens. From vaping and marijuana to heroin and fentanyl, Kai’s story exposes the challenges of navigating a system with scarce resources and the deadly rise of fentanyl-laced drugs. Despite multiple overdoses and systemic hurdles, Kai’s hope shone through, captured in his journal: “It feels like I’m finally moving forward, God is establishing my steps again…”Through her faith and resilience, Karen advocates for compassion, better youth programs, and stiffer penalties to combat the addiction crisis. This episode is a powerful call to break the silence on addiction and save lives.Join us for this unforgettable story of love, loss, and hope. Subscribe to Falling to Freedom and share to raise awareness! 💙#FentanylAwareness #KaisStory #BreakTheSilenceListen now and join the conversation!#FallingToFreedom #AddictionRecovery

The wait is over.. Black and White: The Al Aceves Story is LIVE today, on Falling to Freedom! Addiction turned an East LA kid into a beast. Faith painted a new picture. ‘Big Al’ Aceves, co-founder of the Mongols Nation, spent 35 years as a heroin addict. He started robbing at 15, forged a biker legend with his silhouette on every patch, and thrived on Vietnam’s violence. He served the devil until God delivered him. Now a prayer warrior and chaplain, Al’s story rips into addiction’s root causes and collateral damage with raw, thoughtful truth.Watch now, share with a friend, and let’s break the silence together.www.youtube.com/@FallingtoFreedomPodcast#FallingToFreedom #AddictionRecovery #MentalHealthMatters #RecoveryJourney #FaithInAction #MongolsNation #BikerLife #PodcastCommunity #TrueStory #BreakTheSilence