Get a Grip Podcast

Get a Grip Podcast is hosted by Louis Essig and Aaron Garnes, both in recovery from addiction and alcoholism. In each episode, they share their unfiltered stories of overcoming addiction, time in prison, and struggles with mental health—mixing raw honesty with humor. The podcast gives a voice to the underdog, breaking down the stigma surrounding addiction and recovery. Through candid conversations and real-life experiences, Louis and Aaron inspire others on their journey, showing that while recovery is challenging, it’s possible. Tune in for laughter, hope, and stories of transformation.

The FBI on Her Lawn, Leukemia, and Relapse: A Survivor’s Raw Story of Alcoholism in the 80's & 90's | Ep 103

In this episode, Louis and Aaron sit down with someone who truly embodies the definition of “old school.” Kathy Williams—once a hard-living criminal alcoholic—has now been sober for nearly four decades, and her journey is nothing short of unbelievable.Kathy grew up in a world where chaos felt normal, and the madness only intensified when she met her first husband. He wasn’t just dabbling in crime—he was running from police on a regular basis, dragging Kathy into a lifestyle she never planned on living. What started as standing by her husband quickly turned into participating in the same wild, reckless behavior. And with every police chase, every lie, every slammed door, her drinking escalated. Alcohol became her escape, her comfort, and eventually her downfall.As her marriage crumbled, Kathy tried to climb out of the hole—but the insanity wasn’t done with her yet. While working her job, she found herself entangled with a client’s brother, a man whose presence felt like a whirlwind compared to the storm she was escaping. Three weeks after meeting him—three weeks of excitement, instability, and red flags she didn’t want to see—Kathy married him. That decision would send her into another chapter of turmoil that even she couldn’t have predicted.From bar fights and blackouts to dangerous decisions and losing everything she thought she controlled, Kathy’s life spiraled into a level of chaos that would have destroyed most people. But instead, her story took a turn. Through pain, consequences, and moments of clarity that came only after she hit her own version of bottom, Kathy clawed her way toward sobriety. And once she got clean, she stayed clean—year after year, decade after decade.Nearly 40 years later, Kathy Williams sits with Louis and Aaron not as the woman she used to be, but as a living testament to resilience, accountability, and the power of recovery. Her story is raw, gripping, unbelievable in parts—and absolutely inspiring.And trust us… you’ll want to listen until the very end to hear how this one turns out.🔥 Expect emotion. Expect truth. Expect hope.🔔 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more powerful stories on addiction, recovery, and resilience.Get a Grip Podcast Social Media: Find our TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeart Radio links, a more on our Link Tree below!Get a Grip Social Media Links: ⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/officialgetagrippodcast⁠👇 Let us know your thoughts in the comments.

11-20
56:28

How I Got Pregnant With Twins While I Was Cooking M3th | Ep 101

Aaron and Louis sit down with Kendra Mertz, whose childhood and early adulthood played out like scenes straight from Breaking Bad. Kendra grew up in a home where meth wasn’t just nearby — it was everywhere. The chaos, the chemical smell, the secrecy, and the constant fear of police lights at the end of the driveway were all part of her daily reality. One of the most unforgettable moments in her story comes when law enforcement discovered the trailer her family was living in. Officers surrounded the property, waiting on a warrant, unsure of what they would find inside. And in the middle of that storm, Kendra was pregnant with twins.Kendra never set out to harm her children, but addiction doesn't care about intentions. Despite her efforts to quit, despite the guilt that tore her apart, she found herself exposing not one, not two, but three pregnancies to meth and other drugs. Each time she promised herself she would stop. Each time the addiction pulled her back. She tried to get clean for her kids, for her family, for everyone else — but it never lasted. It wasn’t until she finally decided to do it for herself that everything changed. That was the moment she broke the cycle.Her road to recovery wasn’t a neat or easy journey. It was full of setbacks, dangerous situations, moments of deep shame, and a long climb to rebuild the pieces of her life. But once Kendra made the decision to fight back, she fought with everything she had. Slowly, she earned her sobriety, her stability, and her sense of purpose.Today, Kendra stands on the opposite side of the system that once chased her. She has become a respected parole officer — not just any officer, but one who is known for her compassion, her strength, and her ability to connect with people still trapped in the lifestyle she escaped. She’s living proof that people can rise from the absolute lowest points in life and come back stronger than anyone believed possible. Now she uses her story, her scars, and her hard-earned wisdom to help others climb out of the same darkness she once called home.Kendra Mertz isn’t just surviving — she’s helping others survive too. Her journey is a testament to resilience, redemption, and the power of choosing a new path, no matter how deep the past has buried you.🔥 Expect emotion. Expect truth. Expect hope.🔔 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more powerful stories on addiction, recovery, and resilience.Get a Grip Podcast Social Media: Find our TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeart Radio links, a more on our Link Tree below!Get a Grip Social Media Links: ⁠https://linktr.ee/officialgetagrippodcast👇 Let us know your thoughts in the comments.

11-15
01:20:30

How I Got Addicted to F3nt4nyl At 30 Years Old | Ep 100

In this powerful and emotional episode, Louis and Aaron sit down with Katie Szabo from Youngstown, Ohio, whose story is one of unexpected turns, heartbreak, and redemption. Katie grew up never knowing her father, but she was raised by her mother—a brilliant and hardworking woman employed by NASA—who did everything she could to provide her daughter with a stable and loving home. Katie’s childhood and early adult years were filled with normalcy and success. She was a bright student, a dependable friend, and someone who seemed to have her life completely together. For nearly thirty years, everything appeared steady—until one day, a switch flipped. Around the age of 30, Katie met a man she would later marry, and together they set out on what seemed like a dream life. With money from a settlement from a previous job, they traveled the country in an RV, camping along the coasts and chasing adventure from state to state. From the outside, it looked like freedom. But behind the smiles and scenic photos, Katie was struggling. Her life began to spiral into on-and-off sobriety, emotional chaos, and instability that slowly eroded everything she had built.The relationship became increasingly toxic and violent, eventually drawing Katie into the court system. It was there that her world truly came crashing down—she lost custody of her children, a heartbreak that still drives her to this day. Shortly after, she spent a month in jail, where everything finally caught up to her. In that time, away from the noise and destruction, the lightbulb came on. She saw her life for what it had become and realized she had the power to change it.When Katie walked out of jail, she stepped into a new chapter—one defined by recovery, reflection, and rebuilding. Today, she is not only sober, but also fighting to regain custody of her children and to prove every day that transformation is possible. She uses her experience to help others who are still trapped in the cycle of addiction and despair, showing them that recovery isn’t just about getting clean—it’s about finding yourself again.Katie’s story is a raw and inspiring testament to the power of perseverance, redemption, and love. From the open roads of her past to the uphill climb of her present, she continues to fight—with courage, with faith, and with hope. Her journey reminds us all that no matter how far we fall, there’s always a way back, and the fight for what matters most is never over.🔥 Expect emotion. Expect truth. Expect hope.🔔 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more powerful stories on addiction, recovery, and resilience.Get a Grip Podcast Social Media: Find our TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeart Radio links, a more on our Link Tree below!Get a Grip Social Media Links: ⁠https://linktr.ee/officialgetagrippodcast👇 Let us know your thoughts in the comments.

11-13
01:34:53

My Truth: Exploiting Myself to Survive Addiction While Another Man Profited | Ep 99

In this powerful and emotional episode, Aaron and Louis sit down with Amber Rabold, a woman whose life has been anything but ordinary. Amber’s story begins in the rough neighborhoods of north Columbus, where she grew up sharing a single room with her family—four people crammed together just trying to survive. From a young age, chaos and instability were all she knew. Her parents, both struggling with alcoholism, passed down more than just their habits—they passed down a legacy of pain, confusion, and addiction.Amber’s life took a dark turn early on. At only nine years old, she discovered drugs and alcohol, and what started as curiosity quickly became her way of escaping reality. She describes it as “love at first high,” the feeling that took her away from the constant noise and hurt of her world. But that escape came with a heavy cost. As she got older, her addiction tightened its grip, pushing her deeper into a life of survival and desperation.By her teenage years, Amber found herself chasing money the only way she thought she could—stripping. What started as a means to get by soon became an all-consuming lifestyle. The fast money, attention, and adrenaline made it easy to ignore the pain she was hiding. But when the club lights dimmed and the music stopped, Amber was left facing the same demons she had been running from since childhood. Eventually, that life led her even further down, selling herself just to feed her addiction and survive another day.Amber’s story is raw, real, and filled with the kind of honesty that stops you in your tracks. She opens up about the lowest moments—the loneliness, the shame, and the times she thought she wouldn’t make it out alive. But this story isn’t one of tragedy—it’s one of redemption. Through hard work, recovery, and a newfound sense of purpose, Amber has completely transformed her life. Today, she stands proud, clean, and stronger than ever, using her past to help others find hope in their darkest moments.Tune in to hear Amber’s incredible journey from addiction and survival to freedom and healing—a reminder that no matter how far you fall, recovery is always possible.🔥 Expect emotion. Expect truth. Expect hope.🔔 Don’t forget to like, comment and follow.Get a Grip Podcast Social Media: Find our TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeart Radio links, a more on our Link Tree below!👇 Let us know your thoughts in the comments. Merch store in LinkTreeSocial Media Links: ⁠https://linktr.ee/officialgetagrippodcast

11-10
01:26:06

How 4 DUIs and a Felony Forced Me to Change My Life | Ep 97

In this emotional and eye-opening episode, hosts Aaron Garnes and Louis Essig sit down with Josh Hively, a man whose story of addiction, pain, and redemption will leave you speechless.Josh opens up about his life — a childhood that seemed picture-perfect on the surface. He grew up in a loving family, played sports, and excelled in school. From the outside, Josh looked like the kind of kid destined for success. But beneath that normal exterior, something darker was beginning to take hold. When he first tried alcohol, he discovered something that made him feel invincible — free from fear, worry, and insecurity. It wasn’t just a drink to him; it was an escape, a way to numb the parts of himself he didn’t understand.As time went on, Josh’s drinking spiraled out of control. What started as casual use with friends became an obsession — a way of life. Pills soon followed, deepening the chaos and pulling him further away from the person he once was. His life became a cycle of blackouts, broken promises, and regret. Family relationships suffered, his potential slipped away, and the consequences piled up.Eventually, Josh found himself standing in a courtroom — four DUIs deep, facing the very real possibility of a prison sentence. It was a breaking point. The walls had finally closed in, and there was nowhere left to run. But what could have been the end for Josh became the beginning of something new. It was in that moment facing the harsh reality of what his addiction had done — that he made the decision to take recovery seriously.What followed was not easy. It took years of hard work, honesty, and humility. Josh had to rebuild everything from the ground up — his trust, his relationships, his sense of purpose. Through recovery, he found a new way to live, one built on gratitude and service. Today, Josh uses his past not as a source of shame, but as a message of hope. His story proves that no matter how far down addiction takes you, there is always a way back.This episode is a raw and powerful look at how addiction doesn’t discriminate — it can touch anyone, even those who seem to have everything going for them. Josh’s transformation from a seemingly never-ending alcoholic to a man living a life of purpose will inspire anyone who listens.🔥 Expect emotion. Expect truth. Expect hope.🔔 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more powerful stories on addiction, recovery, and resilience.Get a Grip Podcast Social Media: Find our TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeart Radio links, a more on our Link Tree below!Get a Grip Social Media Links: ⁠https://linktr.ee/officialgetagrippodcast👇 Let us know your thoughts in the comments.

11-06
01:25:51

Addiction Unfiltered: Xanax DUIs, Pill Runs, and a Shot at Redemption Ep | 96

In this raw and powerful episode, hosts Louis and Aaron sit down with Alex Butt, a man whose journey from a normal upbringing to the chaos of addiction shows just how fast life can spiral out of control — and how strong a person has to be to fight their way back.Alex grew up in what most would call a normal household. He wasn’t born into dysfunction or addiction. But like so many, he was drawn to the fast life of the streets — the rush, the danger, the illusion of control. Everything changed the day he tried his first Xanax. It was love at first taste — a feeling that numbed everything and made the world feel easier. But that love quickly turned toxic.What started as a way to feel calm turned into full-blown chaos. DUIs followed, along with a string of crimes that kept pushing Alex deeper into the system. But the spiral didn’t stop there. He began selling drugs — not in some back alley, but at the airport, where he worked, dealing to co-workers, his boss, and even his child’s mother. The lines between right and wrong blurred until there weren’t any left.Before long, Alex found himself caught in a violent triangle of people, fueled by drugs, jealousy, and desperation — a mess that exploded into a brawl that could have ended much worse. Not long after, an unpaid ticket landed him back in jail, a place that had become far too familiar. But this time was different. Facing a felony, Alex had no more excuses, no more “one more chances.” He was at a crossroads — keep going and lose everything, or finally fight to turn it all around.And he did.Alex made the decision to change his life for good. He got clean, stayed committed, and started to rebuild from the ground up. Today, he works at a treatment center, dedicating his life to helping others who are fighting the same battles he once did. His story is proof that no matter how many times you fall, you can always get back up.This episode is packed with emotion, honesty, and redemption. Alex opens up about his darkest moments, the insanity of his choices, the pain of facing consequences, and the freedom he’s found in recovery.🔥 Expect emotion. Expect truth. Expect hope.🔔 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more powerful stories on addiction, recovery, and resilience.Get a Grip Podcast Social Media: Find our TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeart Radio links, a more on our Link Tree below!Get a Grip Social Media Links: ⁠https://linktr.ee/officialgetagrippodcast👇 Let us know your thoughts in the comments.

11-03
01:46:43

My Battle with H3r0in, F3ntanyl & Methadone -- Trying to Stay Clean Ep | 95

In this powerful episode, hosts Aaron and Louis sit down with Dan Vanwallsen, a man whose life took a sharp turn from a normal childhood into the darkness of addiction — and eventually, into a life dedicated to helping others heal.Dan didn’t come from chaos. He didn’t grow up surrounded by addiction or crime. In fact, his childhood was nothing out of the ordinary. But addiction doesn’t discriminate, and for Dan, it started with curiosity — and ended in chains.Heroin entered his life quietly, the kind of thing you think you’ll only try once. But the drug’s grip was fast and unforgiving. To avoid withdrawal and keep functioning, Dan transitioned to methadone — believing it would be his lifeline. Instead, it became another prison. Methadone ruled every day of his life, controlling his decisions, his movements, and his future. It was a ball and chain he dragged behind him for years.Dan’s story is packed with heartbreaking lows and near-fatal mistakes — moments when he couldn’t see a way out and wondered if this was how his story would end. But somewhere in that struggle, something changed. Dan refused to let addiction write the final chapters of his life.Through brutal honesty, support, and an unbreakable will, Dan broke free. He detoxed. He rebuilt. He transformed. And now, he doesn’t just celebrate his own sobriety — he works in recovery, using the pain he survived to guide others out of the same darkness.This episode is unfiltered and packed with emotion — a deep dive into:• How a good childhood can still lead to addiction• The quiet traps heroin and methadone set• The brutal process of getting clean for real• The mission Dan now lives out every day helping othersToday, Dan is proof that no matter how far drugs take you, there is always a way back. His journey is a reminder that recovery isn’t just possible — it’s worth every single fight.🔥 Expect emotion. Expect truth. Expect hope.🔔 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more powerful stories on addiction, recovery, and resilience.Get a Grip Podcast Social Media: Find our TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeart Radio links, a more on our Link Tree below!Get a Grip Social Media Links: ⁠https://linktr.ee/officialgetagrippod.cast👇 Let us know your thoughts in the comments.

10-30
01:25:27

I Drank & Used Everyday For 26 Years, Now I’m 15 Years Sober Ep | 94

In this heartfelt and inspiring episode, host Louis sits down with James Witherspoon, a man who grew up in the tough streets of Detroit and knows firsthand what it feels like to be underestimated. As a kid, James was bullied relentlessly. He never felt like he fit in, never felt like he was enough. But unlike many who struggle early, James didn’t dive into addiction right away. He didn’t start drinking until he was 18… and when he did, he fell in love fast.That love quickly turned toxic. James experimented with other substances, but alcohol always had the tightest grip. No matter how many times he tried to break free, it dragged him back to his knees — again and again. His journey is filled with setbacks, painful lessons, and moments where he wasn’t sure he would survive.But James did more than survive — he transformed. Today, he is the Clinical Director at a treatment facility, helping men and women just like him find hope, healing, and a new life beyond addiction. His story is proof that it’s never too late to rewrite your future and become someone you’re proud of.This episode dives deep into the struggles, the turning points, and the powerful comeback of a man who refused to stay down. James’s honesty and strength make this one of the most uplifting conversations you’ll hear.🔥 Expect emotion. Expect truth. Expect hope.🔔 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more powerful stories on addiction, recovery, and resilience.Get a Grip Podcast Social Media: Find our TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeart Radio links, a more on our Link Tree below!Get a Grip Social Media Links: ⁠https://linktr.ee/officialgetagrippodcast👇 Let us know your thoughts in the comments.

10-26
01:00:59

What This Former Addict Told Middle Schoolers Will Shock You | Ep 93

In this moving and eye-opening episode, Louis Essig steps into an 8th-grade classroom with one mission — to tell the truth. Not the sugarcoated version, but the real, gritty, and painful truth about drug addiction and how it completely derailed his life.Louis grew up with every opportunity in front of him. He was a bright student, earned good grades, and was active in sports. From the outside, he looked like a kid destined for success — someone who had it all together. But behind the smiles and achievements, Louis began making choices that would slowly unravel everything he once valued. What started as “just trying it once” turned into a full-blown addiction that would steal years of his life, destroy relationships, and leave him homeless on the west side of Columbus, Ohio.Standing in front of these middle school students, Louis doesn’t hold back. He shares the raw details of how addiction doesn’t care who you are — it doesn’t matter where you come from, how smart you are, or what kind of family you grew up in. He talks about the pain, the fear, the hopelessness, and the reality of living every day just trying to survive. But he also shares something else — hope.Today, Louis is using his past to change the future. He travels to schools and communities, speaking directly to young people about the choices that can change everything. He educates them on what can happen when drugs and alcohol become a part of their lives — not just the health risks, but the legal consequences, the felony convictions, and the lifelong challenges that come with those decisions.But more than that, Louis shows that recovery is possible. He’s proof that no matter how far you fall, there’s always a way back. His honesty, emotion, and passion captivate every student in the room, leaving them with a powerful message: one decision can change everything — for better or for worse.This is more than just a talk. It’s a wake-up call. It’s a reminder that addiction doesn’t start in a dark alley — it often starts in a classroom, at a party, or with a friend’s offer. And Louis Essig is here to make sure these kids hear the truth before it’s too late.Watch as Louis turns his pain into purpose, his struggle into strength, and his story into a message that could save lives.🔥 Expect emotion. Expect truth. Expect hope.🔔 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more powerful stories on addiction, recovery, and resilience.Get a Grip Podcast Social Media: Find our TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeart Radio links, a more on our Link Tree below!Get a Grip Social Media Links: ⁠https://linktr.ee/officialgetagrippodcast👇 Let us know your thoughts in the comments.

10-24
41:26

I Almost Died 3 Times During My 15-Year M3th & H3ro!n Addiction | Ep 92

In this raw and unforgettable episode, Louis sits down with Josh Nugent, a man whose journey through addiction, chaos, and near-death experiences is as harrowing as it is inspiring. Josh grew up in the gritty streets of Detroit, where instability and addiction were a part of daily life. His father, a hardworking man who fell victim to alcoholism, eventually lost his job, forcing the family to uproot their lives and move to Columbus in search of a new start. But instead of finding stability, Josh found himself spiraling deeper into darkness. At a young age, he began experimenting with drugs—starting with bath salts and K2, chasing that first high that would quickly turn into an uncontrollable obsession. What began as curiosity soon morphed into addiction, and Josh’s life descended into total chaos. He tells Louis about the wild, dangerous, and often life-threatening situations that followed—violent fights, dangerous drug deals, and moments where he stared down the barrel of a gun, unsure if he would make it out alive. Every high came with a cost, and every escape led him closer to destruction. The drugs took everything from him—his peace, his safety, his sanity—and yet, somehow, he survived.Josh’s story is one of unimaginable darkness but also unbelievable strength. Even in his lowest moments, something inside him refused to quit. He talks about the turning points—the moments when he realized that if he didn’t change, he wouldn’t live much longer. The process of getting clean wasn’t easy. It took humility, pain, and the courage to face everything he’d been running from. Through his recovery, Josh found not just sobriety but purpose. He discovered a calling to help others who were still trapped in the same darkness that almost killed him.Today, Josh Nugent works at a correctional facility, using his past as a powerful tool to reach those who feel hopeless and lost. He connects with inmates and addicts on a level most people never could—because he’s lived it. He knows what it’s like to lose everything, and he knows what it takes to rebuild. His mission is simple but profound: to show others that no matter how far you’ve fallen, redemption is always possible. Join Louis and Josh for an intense, emotional, and deeply human conversation about addiction, survival, and the fight to reclaim your life. This episode doesn’t shy away from the ugly truths—the chaos of meth addiction, the violence of the streets, and the scars that never fully fade—but it also celebrates the beauty of recovery and the strength it takes to transform pain into purpose. Josh’s story is living proof that no matter where you come from or what you’ve done, it’s never too late to rise.🔥 Expect emotion. Expect truth. Expect hope.🔔 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more powerful stories on addiction, recovery, and resilience.Get a Grip Podcast Social Media: Find our TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeart Radio links, a more on our Link Tree below!Get a Grip Social Media Links: ⁠https://linktr.ee/officialgetagrippodcast👇 Let us know your thoughts in the comments.

10-22
01:43:02

I Smoked Cr4ck Until My Hands Bled — Now I Preach | Ep 91

In this powerful and brutally honest episode, Louis sits down with Brett Wilder, a man whose story of rebellion, addiction, and ultimate redemption is nothing short of extraordinary. Brett opens up about growing up in a deeply religious household with strict, rule-bound parents. What was meant to guide him instead became the fuel for his rebellion. By the time he turned eighteen, Brett decided to taste the world for himself—and that first encounter with alcohol and weed opened a door he would spend years trying to close. What started as experimentation quickly spiraled into chaos, leading Brett down a dark and destructive path ruled by addiction.It wasn’t long before Brett found himself in the grip of a crippling crack cocaine habit—one that consumed every thought, every dollar, and every piece of dignity he had left. He describes the desperation with haunting detail: breaking the crack stem and cutting his own lips just to get one more hit, one more moment of escape from the pain that had become his reality. His days blurred together in a haze of hopelessness, self-destruction, and spiritual torment. The harder he tried to stop, the deeper he sank, until it seemed there was no way out.But Brett’s story didn’t end there. In the midst of his darkness—when he had lost everything—he experienced a moment of divine intervention that would change his life forever. Brett says it was Jesus Christ Himself who reached into his chaos and pulled him out. That encounter broke the chains of addiction and gave him a new purpose. Today, Brett is an evangelist and revivalist, traveling to share his testimony and help others confront and cast out the demons that hold them captive. He speaks with conviction, passion, and gratitude, knowing firsthand that no one is too far gone to be redeemed.Join Louis and Brett Wilder for an unfiltered conversation about rebellion, addiction, and spiritual awakening. This episode dives deep into the painful realities of crack addiction and the miraculous transformation that followed. It’s a raw, emotional journey through the lowest valleys of human experience to the highest peaks of faith and freedom—a testament to the power of grace, deliverance, and the strength of a man who refused to let his story end in darkness.🔥 Expect emotion. Expect truth. Expect hope.🔔 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more powerful stories on addiction, recovery, and resilience.Get a Grip Podcast Social Media: Find our TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeart Radio links, a more on our Link Tree below!Get a Grip Social Media Links: ⁠https://linktr.ee/officialgetagrippodcast👇 Let us know your thoughts in the comments.

10-19
56:12

From Pregnant Teen to Addicted Stripper: Her Recovery Story | Ep 90

In this gripping and emotional episode, hosts Louis and Aaron sit down with Kaytie Adams, a woman whose life has been a rollercoaster of heartbreak, addiction, and redemption. Kaytie’s story begins in childhood, when her mother left her between the ages of four and five — a moment that would shape the rest of her life. Left in the care of her father, a police officer, Kaytie grew up in a home filled with structure and discipline, but also with deep emotional scars from abandonment and confusion. As she got older, life took a darker turn. What started as a tense custody battle spiraled into emotional turmoil, chaos, and rebellion. Kaytie’s pain found its outlet in addiction, and she began using substances to fill the void left behind by years of instability and loss. Before long, she found herself caught in a world she never imagined — stripping to survive and chasing highs that only dragged her further down.The lifestyle that came with dancing only intensified her addiction. Nights blurred into mornings, and soon Kaytie was IV-using any drug she could get her hands on. Her world revolved around the next fix, and in the depths of her addiction, she even found herself pushing away the people who mattered most — including her own children. The woman who once dreamed of a normal, loving life was now fighting demons she couldn’t control.But this story doesn’t end there. After years of struggle, heartbreak, and self-destruction, Kaytie made the brave decision to change. She faced her addiction head-on, endured the pain of withdrawal, and began the long road to recovery. Today, she’s clean, healthy, and living a life she once thought was impossible. She’s reunited with one of her children, building a beautiful, stable, and loving life — one grounded in gratitude, honesty, and hope.In this episode, Kaytie opens up about the reality of her past — the loneliness of childhood, the chaos of addiction, the darkness of the strip club scene, and the strength it took to climb her way back. Her story is a raw and inspiring reminder that no matter how far you fall, redemption is always possible.This conversation is unfiltered, emotional, and real. Louis and Aaron guide Kaytie through her journey with empathy, humor, and insight, revealing not just a story of recovery — but one of rebirth. If you’ve ever felt lost, hopeless, or trapped by your past, this episode will remind you that it’s never too late to rewrite your story.🔥 Expect emotion. Expect truth. Expect hope.🔔 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more powerful stories on addiction, recovery, and resilience.Get a Grip Podcast Social Media: Find our TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeart Radio links, a more on our Link Tree below!Get a Grip Social Media Links: ⁠https://linktr.ee/officialgetagrippodcast👇 Let us know your thoughts in the comments.

10-15
01:17:58

Heroin Withdrawal Triggered My Labor — And My Baby Was Born in Withdrawal | Ep 89

In this raw, deeply moving episode, host Louis Essig sits down with Dani McManis, a woman whose story challenges everything you think you know about addiction. Dani wasn’t the type to experiment with hard drugs or chase the next high — for most of her life, she stayed far from that world. But somewhere along the way, what started as casual drinking turned into a full-blown battle with alcohol that nearly destroyed everything she loved.Dani’s descent into alcoholism was slow at first — a drink to take the edge off, another to unwind, then a few more to forget. Before long, alcohol became the center of her world, controlling her mind, her choices, and her future. She tried to manage it, to hide it, to justify it — but the truth was, it was breaking her down piece by piece.Then came a moment that changed everything: Dani found out she was pregnant. Filled with love, fear, and hope, she wanted desperately to stop drinking for her unborn child. She entered rehab, determined to turn her life around — but addiction isn’t something that releases its grip easily. Despite her best efforts, she couldn’t stop.When her baby was born, the child went through painful withdrawals — an unthinkable reality for any mother. But through strength, faith, and perseverance, something miraculous happened. The baby pulled through, healthy and strong. That moment marked a powerful turning point for Dani — a wake-up call that this life wasn’t over, and that redemption was still possible.Today, Dani is sober, thriving, and part of what she calls a miracle of a family. She’s living proof that no matter how deep the struggle, it’s never too late to fight your way back. Her honesty, humility, and courage to share her truth make this one of the most heartfelt and inspiring conversations we’ve ever had.This episode isn’t just about addiction — it’s about love, motherhood, second chances, and the human spirit’s unshakable will to heal. Dani’s story will make you feel every emotion, from heartbreak to hope, and remind you that even the darkest chapters can lead to the most beautiful new beginnings.If you or someone you love has battled addiction, this is a must-watch. Tune in, listen closely, and remember — miracles do happen.🔥 Expect emotion. Expect truth. Expect hope.🔔 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more powerful stories on addiction, recovery, and resilience.Get a Grip Podcast Social Media: Find our TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeart Radio links, a more on our Link Tree below!Get a Grip Social Media Links: ⁠https://linktr.ee/officialgetagrippodcast⁠👇 Let us know your thoughts in the comments.

10-13
01:20:30

How I Got Addicted to F3nt4nyl At 30 Years Old | Ep 100

In this powerful and emotional episode, Louis and Aaron sit down with Katie Szabo from Youngstown, Ohio, whose story is one of unexpected turns, heartbreak, and redemption. Katie grew up never knowing her father, but she was raised by her mother—a brilliant and hardworking woman employed by NASA—who did everything she could to provide her daughter with a stable and loving home. Katie’s childhood and early adult years were filled with normalcy and success. She was a bright student, a dependable friend, and someone who seemed to have her life completely together.For nearly thirty years, everything appeared steady—until one day, a switch flipped. Around the age of 30, Katie met a man she would later marry, and together they set out on what seemed like a dream life. With money from a settlement from a previous job, they traveled the country in an RV, camping along the coasts and chasing adventure from state to state. From the outside, it looked like freedom. But behind the smiles and scenic photos, Katie was struggling. Her life began to spiral into on-and-off sobriety, emotional chaos, and instability that slowly eroded everything she had built.The relationship became increasingly toxic and violent, eventually drawing Katie into the court system. It was there that her world truly came crashing down—she lost custody of her children, a heartbreak that still drives her to this day. Shortly after, she spent a month in jail, where everything finally caught up to her. In that time, away from the noise and destruction, the lightbulb came on. She saw her life for what it had become and realized she had the power to change it.When Katie walked out of jail, she stepped into a new chapter—one defined by recovery, reflection, and rebuilding. Today, she is not only sober, but also fighting to regain custody of her children and to prove every day that transformation is possible. She uses her experience to help others who are still trapped in the cycle of addiction and despair, showing them that recovery isn’t just about getting clean—it’s about finding yourself again.Katie’s story is a raw and inspiring testament to the power of perseverance, redemption, and love. From the open roads of her past to the uphill climb of her present, she continues to fight—with courage, with faith, and with hope. Her journey reminds us all that no matter how far we fall, there’s always a way back, and the fight for what matters most is never over.🔥 Expect emotion. Expect truth. Expect hope.🔔 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more powerful stories on addiction, recovery, and resilience.Get a Grip Podcast Social Media: Find our TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeart Radio links, a more on our Link Tree below!Get a Grip Social Media Links: ⁠https://linktr.ee/officialgetagrippodcast👇 Let us know your thoughts in the comments.

10-12
01:30:34

He was Locked Up Where I was a C.O - Now We Talk Prison Addiction & Surviving F3ntanyl | Ep 88

In this powerful and brutally honest episode, Louis sits down with Chris, a man who has endured some of the darkest corners of addiction, incarceration, and survival. Chris opens up about a life that spiraled out of control at an early age—drugs, violence, and a series of bad decisions that ultimately landed him behind bars.From the moment he entered prison, Chris found himself surrounded by the same chaos he thought he’d left on the streets. Drugs were everywhere—pills, Suboxone, K2, and heroin—smuggled in through every imaginable way. What shocked him most wasn’t just the availability, but how deeply addiction had its grip even behind locked doors. He describes watching men trade their meals, their clothes, and sometimes even their dignity just to get high. The gangs ran the flow, guards often turned a blind eye, and getting clean inside felt almost impossible.But for Chris, prison also became the place where he hit his lowest—and began to rebuild. After years of chasing dope and running from himself, he finally reached a breaking point. It was in a small cell, sick from withdrawal and tired of living the same cycle, that he decided something had to change. With time, faith, and sheer determination, Chris began to pull himself out of the darkness.Now, years later, he’s sober, free, and learning to live life on his own terms. He opens up about the mental and emotional toll of incarceration, the temptations that never truly disappear, and what it really takes to start over when society has already written you off.Join Louis and Chris for a raw conversation about the harsh realities of drugs inside prisons, the fight for recovery in a broken system, and the hope that can still be found on the other side of pain. This isn’t just a story about survival—it’s about redemption, resilience, and the power of choosing a different path when the odds are stacked against you.🔥 Expect emotion. Expect truth. Expect hope.🔔 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more powerful stories on addiction, recovery, and resilience.Get a Grip Podcast Social Media: Find our TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeart Radio links, a more on our Link Tree below!Get a Grip Social Media Links: ⁠https://linktr.ee/officialgetagrippodcast⁠👇 Let us know your thoughts in the comments.

10-08
01:54:56

How I Hustled Scrap Metal, Got Robbed in a K-Hole, and Tried To Escape From Jail | Ep 87

In this raw and unforgettable episode, host Louis sits down with William Shiells from Columbus, Ohio, to hear a story that’s as chaotic as it is inspiring.William grew up with anger boiling inside him. As a kid, he didn’t always know how to channel it—one time smashing his own car windshield with a baseball bat for no reason other than the rage he carried. That anger and recklessness soon bled into substance use. He started with marijuana and mushrooms, but the trouble didn’t stop there. Before long, the law was involved, and William’s life began to spiral.Addiction took hold fast. William overdosed so many times he lost count, waking up again and again to EMTs pulling him back from the brink with Narcan. Each revival wasn’t enough to stop him—only another chance to sink deeper. He was homeless, living out of a car, consumed by the chase for the next high. His desperation was so intense that he escaped multiple institutions, one time climbing a fence topped with razor wire, leaving him cut open and bleeding everywhere—all just to get high again.And yet, somehow, William made it out alive. Today, his story is one of redemption. After finding sobriety, he not only worked in recovery but rose to become the director of a facility helping others climb out of the same darkness. Now, he’s building a new life, working construction, and most importantly, staying clean and sober.This conversation is gritty, honest, and inspiring. William opens up about his past rage, the depths of his addiction, the countless overdoses, and the blood he left on razor wire in the name of drugs. But he also shares the hope, healing, and redemption that define his life today.Don’t miss this powerful episode—subscribe and turn on notifications to hear how William Shiells turned his chaos into clarity, and how he’s proving every day that recovery is possible.🔥 Expect emotion. Expect truth. Expect hope.🔔 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more powerful stories on addiction, recovery, and resilience.Get a Grip Podcast Social Media: Find our TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeart Radio links, a more on our Link Tree below!Get a Grip Social Media Links: ⁠https://linktr.ee/officialgetagrippodcast⁠👇 Let us know your thoughts in the comments.

10-05
01:44:50

Cr4ck Addiction, Rubbing Alcohol, and Handing Mom Her Last Beer While She Fought Cirrhosis | Ep 86

In this emotional and eye-opening episode, host Louis Essig sits down with Jeremy Garber from Columbus, Ohio—a man whose story reaches from the chaos of the 1980s and 90s into the battles he still fights today.Jeremy’s life was marked by trauma before he even understood what the word meant. Both of his parents were alcoholics, and when they divorced on Thanksgiving Day—while Jeremy was only 3 years old—the pain of that moment stuck with him forever. His mother remarried another alcoholic, and while the chaos swirled around him, Jeremy went to live with his grandmother. But even there, addiction was never far away. At just six years old, Jeremy was fetching beers for his mom and her friends—and sneaking sips for himself. By the time most kids were learning their ABCs, Jeremy was already becoming an alcoholic without even realizing it.As he grew older, the story only got darker. Weed became part of his teenage years, and soon crack cocaine entered the picture. Crack quickly took everything from him—his stability, his hope, and nearly his life. Yet Jeremy never fully gave up. He managed to put together five solid years of sobriety, proving to himself that a better life was possible.But addiction doesn’t let go easily. After those years sober, Jeremy relapsed, finding himself once again face-to-face with the demons he thought he had beaten. Today, sitting down with Louis, Jeremy is brutally honest about where he’s at—four months sober and once again climbing back on the horse, fighting every single day to win his life back.This conversation is raw, real, and a reminder that recovery isn’t always a straight line. Jeremy’s courage to share not just his victories but also his struggles makes this one of the most important and relatable episodes yet.🔥 Expect emotion. Expect truth. Expect hope.🔔 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more powerful stories on addiction, recovery, and resilience.Get a Grip Podcast Social Media: Find our TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeart Radio links, a more on our Link Tree below!Get a Grip Social Media Links: ⁠https://linktr.ee/officialgetagrippodcast⁠👇 Let us know your thoughts in the comments.

10-01
01:11:37

I Was Raised by a Cr4ck Addict After My Dad Disappeared | Ep 85

In this gripping episode, hosts Louis and Aaron sit down with Jamey Snodgrass, whose life story sounds almost unbelievable—yet every detail is real.Jamey’s childhood unraveled the day his father said he was stepping out for milk and never came back. That single moment of abandonment set the stage for years of hardship. His mother, lost to crack addiction, could offer no safety net, leaving Jamey to raise himself on the streets.It didn’t take long for the chaos around him to pull him in. Addiction followed quickly, and with it came stints in jails and institutions, each one darker than the last. The danger was relentless: Jamey survived two separate house fires, one of which cost him part of his ear. Every time it seemed life couldn’t throw more at him, it did.Yet against all odds, Jamey is still here. Alive. Sober. Rebuilding. His story isn’t just about surviving addiction—it’s about surviving life itself. From the heartbreak of a vanished father to the terror of flames and the grip of drugs, Jamey’s journey shows the strength it takes to keep moving forward when the world keeps trying to take you down.This conversation is raw, unfiltered, and unforgettable. Jamey opens up about abandonment, addiction, the fires that nearly killed him, and the hard-won sobriety that finally gave him a second chance.Today, Jamey stands as living proof that miracles are real and that no matter how many times life tries to break you, it’s always possible to rise again.🔥 Expect emotion. Expect truth. Expect hope.🔔 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more powerful stories on addiction, recovery, and resilience.Get a Grip Podcast Social Media: Find our TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeart Radio links, a more on our Link Tree below!Get a Grip Social Media Links: ⁠https://linktr.ee/officialgetagrippodcast⁠👇 Let us know your thoughts in the comments.

09-28
01:09:23

My Dad Taught Me How to Rip and Run in the Streets of Detroit | Ep 84

In this powerful episode, host Louis sits down with Johnny Jermani, a Detroit-area rapper whose life has been shaped by the streets, music, and the constant pull between the two.Johnny grew up in the heart of Detroit, where lessons about survival came early. His father, a product of the same unforgiving environment, taught him the ways of the street when he was just a kid. Those lessons made Johnny wise beyond his years—how to hustle, how to read people, how to stay one step ahead—but they also set him on a dangerous path that few escape.Music was always in his blood. Even as a teenager, Johnny’s rhymes carried the raw energy of his neighborhood, and before long he became a respected name in Detroit’s underground rap scene. But staying out of trouble was never easy. “If you break the law, trouble will find you,” he says—and for Johnny, it found him again and again. Drugs, robberies, and the relentless pull of the streets led to numerous prison numbers, each sentence a reminder of how hard it is to leave the past behind.Yet through every setback, the music never left him. Behind prison walls he kept writing, honing his craft, and dreaming of a different life. When he finally walked free, Johnny made a promise to himself: to dedicate everything to his art and carve out a future defined by beats and lyrics instead of crime and chaos.Today, Johnny is pouring every ounce of himself into music with the hope of making it out of the hood and inspiring others to chase their own way forward. He’s a testament to the power of talent and perseverance in a city where dreams and danger often share the same block.This conversation is raw, intense, and unforgettable. Johnny opens up about his childhood under his father’s tough guidance, the street lessons that shaped him, the prison bids that tested him, and the passion for hip-hop that ultimately gave him a way forward.🔥 Expect emotion. Expect truth. Expect hope.🔔 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more powerful stories on addiction, recovery, and resilience.Get a Grip Podcast Social Media: Find our TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeart Radio links, a more on our Link Tree below!Get a Grip Social Media Links: ⁠https://linktr.ee/officialgetagrippodcast⁠👇 Let us know your thoughts in the comments.

09-24
01:08:41

How I Became an IV Drug User By 17 Years Old | Ep 83

In this powerful episode, host Louis and Aaron sits down with Devon Rodgers, a man whose life has taken turns so wild you’d think they were scripted.Devon’s early years looked ordinary, but everything changed when he entered foster care at a young age. He bounced from home to home, never knowing what stability really felt like. In that instability he was introduced to drugs, and during a stay in Philadelphia he first encountered opiates—a moment that would set the course for years of struggle.What started as experimentation quickly became dependence, and before long Devon was using exclusively pressed “30s” laced with fentanyl. His life became a blur of risk and chaos, full of situations so extreme they sound unbelievable. Time after time he found himself on the brink, and how he made it out alive is nothing short of miraculous.But Devon did make it out. Against all odds, he fought his way back from the edge, leaving fentanyl behind and rebuilding a life he once thought was impossible. Today he is sober, grounded, and devoted to the family he loves and cares for—a life defined by purpose instead of survival.This conversation is raw, gripping, and unforgettable. Devon opens up about foster care, addiction, and the near-death experiences that shaped him, while sharing the hope and determination that finally set him free.🔥 Expect emotion. Expect truth. Expect hope.🔔 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more powerful stories on addiction, recovery, and resilience.Get a Grip Podcast Social Media: Find our TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeart Radio links, a more on our Link Tree below!Get a Grip Social Media Links: ⁠https://linktr.ee/officialgetagrippodcast⁠👇 Let us know your thoughts in the comments.

09-21
02:25:33

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