The Other Side of Addiction

This Episode is Sponsored by EMERGO ACADEMY / emergoacademy.com

Today’s conversation with Rachel Liddell hit deep. We talked about something that far too many people avoid, and yet it’s the doorway to a better life: accountability.

For so many of us, especially those who’ve battled addiction, it’s easier to play the victim. It’s easier to point fingers, blame circumstances, or believe life is happening to us instead of the choices we’ve made. But as Rachel said so perfectly — when you can OWN YOUR SHIT, there’s...

This Episode is Sponsored by EMERGO ACADEMY / emergoacademy.com

Today’s conversation with Rachel Liddell hit deep. We talked about something that far too many people avoid, and yet it’s the doorway to a better life: accountability.

For so many of us, especially those who’ve battled addiction, it’s easier to play the victim. It’s easier to point fingers, blame circumstances, or believe life is happening to us instead of because of the choices we’ve made. But as Rachel said so perfectly — when you can OWN YOUR SHIT...

This Episode is Sponsored By Emergo Academy/emergoacademy.com

In this special episode, we flip the script—this time, I’m the one being interviewed. Life has thrown some heavy challenges my way these past few weeks, including the devastating news that I may lose my right leg due to two failed surgeries. The question is—how do you handle news like that? What thoughts run through your mind? And more importantly, do you choose the right road or the wrong one?

I lay my vulnerability on the table, sharing the raw emotio...

This Episode Was Sponsored By Emergo Academy / emergoacademy.com

In this deeply moving conversation, Austin Kiser opens his heart about losing his brother to suicide on October 23, 2023. What followed was a roller coaster of emotions — grief, numbness, and the heavy weight of realizing just how fragile life can be.

But out of that pain came purpose. Austin began to look inward and then outward — learning neurology, reshaping his identity, and discovering that self-discovery is the purpose of life. He didn’t just survive his grief; he allowed it to move t...

Life has a way of testing us in ways we never expect. For Jimmy and me, that test came in the form of losing a leg — a challenge that forces you to redefine what “normal” means and find strength in the face of change.

In this powerful conversation, we talk about the journey of adapting to a new normal — one that keeps evolving — and how a positive mindset can fuel healing, even on the toughest days. Because at the end of the day, attitude is everything. We can’t always control what happens to us, but we c...

Today’s conversation bridges science, healing, and hope — a powerful look at how NAD+ supports the brain during addiction recovery.

This Episode was sponsored By EMERGO ACADEMY / emergoacademy.com

Dr. Darin Stettler, D.O., founder of Stettler Medical Monitoring, a University of Utah alum and osteopathic physician who’s helping patients heal through regenerative and functional medicine — from cellular repair and stem cell therapy to NAD+ and peptides. Dr. Stettler combines science and compassion to restore biological balance and long-term health.

And Joey Perea, owner of...

In this raw and powerful episode, Al Richards and Heather Van Boerum open up in a deep and thought-provoking conversation about the unexpected parallels between addiction and amputation — two life-altering battles that demand resilience, faith, and the will to rise again.

Whether you’ve battled substance use or faced the loss of a limb, the journey toward healing is often the same. It’s about learning to say:

👉 “I am not my addiction.”

👉 “I am not my amputation.”

Both experiences strip us down to our core, forcing us to re...

This Episode is Sponsored By EMERGO ACADEMY / emergoacademy.com

The Magic Is in the Consistency

Guest: Chris Avery — “Chris Runs America”

What if transformation wasn’t about massive leaps… but about one faithful step, repeated over time?

Chris Avery knows a thing or two about that. After five runs over twenty years, he made a decision on January 8, 2022 — just one mile a day for a week. That week became ninety days… then years of daily runs averaging sixteen miles a day. Now, he’s preparing...

“OFF THE CUFF” With Dr. James Dixon.

In this two part unfiltered and deeply human conversation, Al Richards sits down with Dr. James Dixon — nationally acclaimed motivational speaker, Chief Impact Officer of Impact Media Group, and visionary founder of the Elevate The Voices movement.

From surviving a near-death moment when a gun was held to his face to sharing stages with icons like Les Brown and Jeff Hoffman (founder of Priceline.com), Dr. Dixon’s story is one of courage, clarity, and calling.

Together, Al and Dr. Dixon go off the cuff — diving into resil...

This Episode is sponsored by EMERGO ACADEMY / emergoacademy.com

Personality vs. Character is such a powerful topic, especially in personal growth and recovery. Manny Lopez shares his thoughts. Personality is more like the outer layer—it’s how we present ourselves to the world. It includes our habits, behaviors, and the traits that make us unique, like being outgoing, reserved, funny, or analytical. Personality is often shaped by genetics and environment, and it can shift over time, but it’s generally the part of us that others notice first. Character, on the other hand, is the...

In this inspiring episode, I sit down with Aida Woodward, motivational speaker, author, and the face of Ageless Vitality. Aida shares her insights on personal gratitude, mindset, and embracing the process of aging with vitality. With over 20 years of experience helping people achieve their health goals, Aida combines her approachable, “girl next door” demeanor with practical tools for transformation—covering fitness, nutrition, and mental wellness. She’s a true activist for health, encouraging us all to see age as an opportunity, not a limitation.

This Episode Was Sponsored By EMERGO ACADEMY / emergoacademy.com

This Episode was sponsored by EMERGO ACADEMY/emergoacaademy.com

On this episode of The Other Side of Addiction, we're honored to welcome Danielle — a shining example of how lived experience can transform not only one life but entire communities. From surviving an overdose to becoming a leader in mental health and recovery services, Danielle's journey is a powerful testament to the strength of resilience, the importance of peer support, and the life-changing impact of second chances. Tune in as we dive into her inspiring story, the role of advocacy in breaking down stigma, and ho...

In this episode of The Other Side of Addiction, we dive deep into the powerful intersection of mind, body, and connection. True healing isn’t just about abstaining from substances—it’s about reconnecting with yourself, understanding how your mind and body are intertwined, and fostering meaningful relationships that support growth. We explore practical ways to cultivate balance, strengthen your mental and physical health, and build connections that uplift and sustain you through life’s challenges.

Mario Hernandez was born in Lancaster, California. Both his parents were illegal immigrants from a small town in Jalisco, Mexico. They moved to Utah when Mario was young. He grew up moving back and forth crossing the border illegally from Mexico to Utah, until they finally stayed when he was about 12. Living in Mexico was tough as he was growing up as a Mexican/American in a small town who looked down on us, so fights were a constant thing in his life at a young age, that and Mario's father being an alcoholic always cheating on his mother...

This Episode is Sponsored by, EMERGO ACADEMY, emergoacademy.com

In this episode, we explore the power of the choices we make today and how they shape who we become tomorrow. We dive into the idea that small changes—sometimes almost invisible at first—can create monumental shifts in our lives.

We also discuss how our mistakes aren’t failures—they’re stepping stones

"Just wrapped up an intense and deeply moving episode of The Other Side of Addiction titled ‘Pain & Perseverance.’ My guest Angie Barnett shared her powerful journey, including the moment she broke her leg skiing—only for her ex-husband to refuse to take her to the ER, all while stealing her pain medication.

This Episode is Sponsored By Emergo Academy, emergoacademy.com

In this powerful episode, I sit down with Amber Kay, a Certified Peer Support Specialist, community leader, and advocate in long-term recovery. Amber is deeply committed to building connections, creating safe spaces for healing, and supporting individuals and families impacted by addiction, trauma, and mental health. Through her work, she empowers others to discover their inner strength, embrace hope, and step into a life of purpose.

This Episode is Sponsored By... Emergo Academy / emergoacademy.com

Jonathan's story is one of radical transformation. For years, he lived with anger, hate, and a sense of invincibility—running with a white supremacist gang, cycling in and out of prison, and causing pain to those around him. But beneath it all, the real enemy wasn’t the world—it was himself.

In this raw and powerful episode, Jonathan opens up about his journey from a life of destruction to long-term recovery.

This Episode was Sponsored By Emergo Academy / emergoacademy.com

On The Other Side of Addiction, we dive into the transformative power of unconditional love—starting with yourself. In this episode, we explore how loving over judgment, embodying peace, and breaking free from old patterns can help us rediscover our own power to live a more joyful, fulfilling life. Life isn’t happening to us—it’s happening for us. And when we learn to understand ourselves deeply, we realize that we are limitless.

In this episode, we dive into the journey of change—how we leave behind who we used to be and come face-to-face with the life we lost chasing the next high, the next drink, the next escape. Bryon, only three years into his recovery, shares the weight of his past—the bridges burned, the loved ones pushed away, and the years stolen by addiction. Yet, amidst the regret, there’s a profound truth:

This Episode was sponsored By Emergo Academy / emergoacademy.com

In this powerful episode, I sit down with Nicholas—a man who’s lived through the depths of addiction and found his way back to purpose, redemption, and service. Raised in a loving, values-driven home, Nicholas still found himself caught in the web of drugs, alcohol, and crime. Despite moments of recovery and hope, he spiraled repeatedly, facing multiple arrests and the looming reality of prison.

But everything changed the day he heard a truth that cut through the noise:

In this raw and powerful episode, we sit down with Daigon Anderson—a man whose journey through addiction, loss, and redemption will leave you inspired. Daigon shares the heartbreak of losing his mom and the shocking moment he woke up in the hospital after an overdose… That moment became a turning point.

My two guests Kiralei and Joe discuss Optimal Efficiency. To me, “Optimal Efficiency” isn’t just about getting things done faster or checking off more boxes. It’s about doing the right things, in the right way, with the right energy and intention. It’s alignment—where your actions match your values, your time serves your purpose, and your energy flows toward what truly matters. When we operate at optimal efficiency, we’re not just productive—we’re intentional.

This Episode is Sponsored by Emergo Academy... emergoacademy.com

“On today’s episode, To Leave A Legacy, The Ballroom Dancer, I sit down with Mallory Patton—a woman whose life has been anything but ordinary. From the age of five, Mallory was destined for the spotlight. Trained by her parents, both professional dancers from Brigham Young University, she went on to place 1st in the United States National Ballroom Competition in 2007.

But behind the spotlight was a woman struggling. After a toxic marriage, heartbreak, and the devastating realization she couldn...

My Amazing Friend Joe Valentine and I discuss Learned Behaviors. This is something we're both continuing to work on. So many of us are walking through life carrying the weight of things we didn’t ask for—trauma, broken relationships, addiction, shame, guilt. Somewhere along the line, we picked up behaviors and beliefs that were rooted in survival. They helped us get through the chaos, the pain, the heartbreak. But now they’re holding us back.

Here’s the truth:

Learned behavior is not your identity.

And more importantly—you have a cho

Giving back isn’t just a step in recovery—it’s a step toward becoming who we’re meant to be. Whether you’re walking through recovery yourself or simply someone who cares, your time and presence can change lives.

🧠 It’s not about having the perfect words.

Sometimes it’s just showing up. Listening. Helping someone feel seen.

❤️ You don’t need to be in recovery to give your time.

You just need to care enough to connect.

This episode is sponsored by EMERGO ACADEMY... emergoacademy.com

Whether you're missing a limb, battling an addiction, or carrying invisible scars, one thing is certain—it takes resilience to walk through the darkness in search of the light. In this episode, I sit down with a fellow amputee who, like me, knows what it means to face life-altering challenges head-on. But this conversation goes beyond physical loss—it's about the mindset it takes to keep going when everything inside you wants to quit.

This episode is sponsored by EMERGO ACADEMY / Emergoacademy.com

What happens when life takes more than it gives? When you lose a limb, your partner, your sense of identity—and you're still here? Not just surviving, but leading, loving, and lifting others?

This episode flips the mic.

Host Dave Kenney interviews Al Richards, diving into the raw, unfiltered journey behind the man who lives what others only teach: resilience.

This episode was sponsored by emergoacademy.com

Three years ago, Tory Trout was homeless, strung out on meth, and staring down a long prison sentence. With most of his life spent behind bars, he stood at a crossroads — give in and go back, or fight for the freedom and future he’d always dreamed of.

Tory chose to fight.

Michelle has walked through pain and uncertainty and emerged as a survivor, a leader, and a light for others navigating their own darkness.

This episode of AR-The Other Side of Addiction is Sponsored by Emergo Academy. emergoacademy.com…

In today’s episode, I sit down with an inspiring guest and the founder of CaliSober Recovery, a groundbreaking program that's reshaping the way we think about healing and recovery. Far from the traditional models, CaliSober embraces a holistic wellness approach rooted in spiritual growth, plant medicine, and personal sovereignty.

We dive deep into:

🌿 The philosophy behind CaliSober and how it's offering a new path for those in recovery, especia...

This episode of AR-The Other Side of Addiction is Sponsored by Emergo Academy. emergoacademy.com…

Addiction Hypnosis – Breaking Free from the Story in Your Head

When we think of addiction, we often picture substances, behavior, and consequences. But what if addiction goes deeper than that—into the stories we tell ourselves, and the thoughts we repeat until they become beliefs?

In this episode of The Other Side of Addiction, we explored a powerful concept: Addiction Hypnosis. The idea that our mind—left unchecked—can run the sa...

This Episode was Sponsored by Emergo Adcademy, emergoacademy.com

In this deeply honest and emotionally raw episode, we open the floor to a conversation that hits close to home for many—the pain of losing someone we love to addiction. Together with my guest, we reflect on the emotional toll, the guilt that creeps in, and the lingering questions that haunt us:

Could I have done more?

Why couldn’t I save them?

Did they know how much I loved...

This episode of AR-The Other Side of Addiction is Sponsored by Emergo Academy. emergoacademy.com…

LADIES, YOU DON'T WANT TO MISS THIS ONE!

What does it really mean to activate your life? On this episode of The Other Side of Addiction, we’re joined by Shaun Johnson—a 41-year-old Arizona native, athlete, and soul-led wellness advocate—who helps others align with their highest truth through health, healing, and heart-led transformation.

Shaun’s journey is one of radical resilience and deep soul work. Having walked through th...

This episode is sponsored by EMERGO ACADEMY... emergoacademy.com

From the brutal depths of addiction and homelessness to a life rooted in healing, education, and purpose — Missee Sue's journey is a living reminder that no rock bottom is too deep for recovery to reach. After surviving drug-induced psychosis, incarceration, and profound physical and spiritual pain, Missee began her climb back with nothing but the clothes on her back and a fierce determination to change. Today, she stands as a powerful advocate for transformation, hope, and community. Her story shows that with radical courage, discipline, an...

This episode is sponsored by EMERGO ACADEMY... emergoacademy.com

In this powerful episode, my guest Adam Baxter shares the raw truth behind his recovery journey that began on February 25, 2016, after being arrested in 2015 on five felony distribution charges related to methamphetamine. Adam opens up about his time in Tooele County Jail, the five-year prison sentence he faced, and the second chance he was given through drug court and probation. With grit, grace, and the support of recovery, Adam completed both programs by 2017—transforming his felonies into misdemeanors and reclaiming his life. This is a st...

This episode is sponsored by EMERGO ACADEMY... emergoacademy.com

"Growing up in a home clouded by addiction, Stephanie watched chaos become her normal. From late-night drives to escape violence, to turning in her own parents to protect her brothers—she's walked through the fire more than once. She became a mother at sixteen, fought her way out of abuse, lost both her parents, and nearly lost herself in the process. But at rock bottom, Stephanie chose life. She chose to heal. Today, with 670 days sober, she’s a voice of strength, a mother, an advo...

This episode is sponsored by EMERGO ACADEMY... emergoacademy.com

When someone takes control over you—your body, your voice, your safety—it can feel like you're constantly chasing the illusion of getting your life back. You're trying to reclaim something that was stolen, to patch up the pieces of your identity. But what if the truth is... the only way to truly reclaim your life is to surrender the chase?

In today’s conversation, we unpack what it means to stop reaching outward for control and start turning inward—to the powe...

This episode of AR-The Other Side of Addiction is Sponsored by Emergo Academy. emergoacademy.com…

In today’s soul-stirring episode of The Other Side of Addiction, we welcome a remarkable woman whose story of grit, growth, and God is nothing short of inspiring. A single mom of five beautiful children, she shares how hitting rock bottom behind bars became the launching point for a brand new life—one rooted in purpose, self-love, and unwavering faith.

Addicted at 13 and caught in a cycle of toxic relationships, she thought she had no way...

This Episode was Sponsored by Emergo Adcademy, emergoacademy.com

My two guests Kiralei and Joe discuss Optimal Efficiency. To me, “Optimal Efficiency” isn’t just about getting things done faster or checking off more boxes. It’s about doing the right things, in the right way, with the right energy and intention. It’s alignment—where your actions match your values, your time serves your purpose, and your energy flows toward what truly matters. When we operate at optimal efficiency, we’re not just productive—we’re intentional. We recognize that rest, reflection, boundaries, and even stillness...

This episode is sponsored by EMERGO ACADEMY... emergoacademy.com

My Amazing Friend Joe Valentine and I discuss Learned Behaviors. This is something we're both continuing to work on. So many of us are walking through life carrying the weight of things we didn’t ask for—trauma, broken relationships, addiction, shame, guilt. Somewhere along the line, we picked up behaviors and beliefs that were rooted in survival. They helped us get through the chaos, the pain, the heartbreak. But now they’re holding us back.

Here’s the truth:

Lea...

This episode is sponsored by EMERGO ACADEMY / Emergoacademy.com

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT MATTERS.

Giving back isn’t just a step in recovery—it’s a step toward becoming who we’re meant to be. Whether you’re walking through recovery yourself or simply someone who cares, your time and presence can change lives.

🧠 It’s not about having the perfect words.

Sometimes it’s just showing up. Listening. Helping someone feel seen.

❤️ You don’t need to be in recovery to give your time.

You just need to care enough...

This episode is sponsored by EMERGO ACADEMY / Emergoacademy.com

Whether you're missing a limb, battling an addiction, or carrying invisible scars, one thing is certain—it takes resilience to walk through the darkness in search of the light. In this episode, I sit down with a fellow amputee who, like me, knows what it means to face life-altering challenges head-on. But this conversation goes beyond physical loss—it's about the mindset it takes to keep going when everything inside you wants to quit. We all face storms. The real question is: How do you naviga...

This Episode was Sponsored by Emergo Adcademy, emergoacademy.com

Addiction Hypnosis – Breaking Free from the Story in Your Head

When we think of addiction, we often picture substances, behavior, and consequences. But what if addiction goes deeper than that—into the stories we tell ourselves, and the thoughts we repeat until they become beliefs?

In this episode of The Other Side of Addiction, we explored a powerful concept: Addiction Hypnosis. The idea that our mind—left unchecked—can run the same destructive program on repeat. That’s where the cycle begins:

Thoughts →...

In this deeply honest and emotionally raw episode, we open the floor to a conversation that hits close to home for many—the pain of losing someone we love to addiction. Together with my guest, we reflect on the emotional toll, the guilt that creeps in, and the lingering questions that haunt us:

Could I have done more?

Why couldn’t I save them?

Did they know how much I loved them?

Were my boundaries not enough—or too much?<...