The Hope Shot - Recovery Podcast

In this powerful episode, we sit down with Kenzie, who shares her incredible journey from addiction and despair to hope and recovery. Almost 6 years clean, Kenzie reflects on her tumultuous past—growing up in a household of addiction, starting her own battle with substances at just nine years old, and enduring cycles of abuse, incarceration, and homelessness.

Kenzie doesn’t just focus on the struggles but shares how hitting rock bo...

In this episode, hosts Justin, Nathan, and Cesar dive into the powerful journey of finding faith in recovery, discussing what it truly means to 'come to believe.' They share personal experiences and insights on how belief in something greater—whether spiritual, communal, or personal—plays a vital role in overcoming addiction and maintaining sobriety. Together, they explore how trust, hope, and belief shape the recovery process ...

In this episode, hosts Justin, Nathan, Cesar, and Kellie talk about the recent Recovery Walk and how it showed the power of coming together as a community. They share how people from all different backgrounds joined forces to support one another, proving that we're stronger when we work together for a common goal. Tune in as they share stories, experiences, and simple ways we can all help build a stronger, more connected co...

Join hosts Justin, Nathan, and Cesar, along with special guest Melissa from Sober Now, as they explore the powerful notion that "pride comes before the fall." In this episode, the group delves into the dangers of letting ego and overconfidence take the reins in recovery. They share personal stories, professional insights, and practical strategies for recognizing and managing pride before it leads to setbacks. Whether you're navigat...

In this episode, hosts Justin and Nathan sit down with special guest Matt to dive deep into the topic of avoidance and its impact on the recovery journey. They discuss the ways avoidance can hinder progress, the fears and insecurities that fuel it, and practical strategies for confronting and overcoming this common challenge. Whether you're in recovery yourself or supporting someone who is, this conversation offers valuable insight...

In this episode of The Hope Shot, join hosts Justin McPadden, Nathan, and Cesar as they jump into the topic of recovery through the lens of life's ever-changing seasons. Our special guest, Big Steve, shares his take on of perseverance and growth, offering unique insights into navigating the highs and lows of recovery. From the challenges of the darkest days to the rejuvenation found in success in recovery, we'll explore how each se...

Join us in this episode as Justin, Nathan, and Cesar go deep into the topic about finding the spark in recovery. Discover how to reignite your passion and purpose while navigating the path to sobriety. We share personal stories, practical tips, and inspirational insights that will help you rekindle your inner fire and stay motivated in your recovery journey. Whether you're in early recovery or have been for years, this episode offe...

Join us in this episode as Justin, Nathan, Cesar, and our special guest Matt explore the significant "firsts" in their recovery journeys. From the first sober holiday to the first time sharing their stories publicly, each milestone represents a powerful step towards a new life. Listen in as they share personal challenges, and triumphs, offering hope and inspiration to those navigating their own paths to recovery. Whether you're in ...

In this episode, join Justin, Nathan, and Cesar as they share about the profound topic of forgiveness and its impact on personal recovery. Often misunderstood as an act meant for others, forgiveness is revealed as a crucial step towards self-healing and inner peace. The trio shares personal stories, insights, and practical advice on how to embrace forgiveness as a powerful tool in the journey to recovery. Learn how letting go of pa...

In this episode, Justin, Nathan, and Cesar dive deep into the theme of "Identity Crisis." Together, they explore the challenging process of finding one's true identity in recovery. The trio shares personal insights and experiences, revealing how addiction created a false sense of self and shaped their beliefs about who they were.

Join them as they discuss the painful yet liberating journey of giving up the only thing that once made...

On this episode, hosts Justin, Cesar, and Nathan jump into a critical topic that many in recovery face: how the very blessings we gain in recovery can become burdens if we're not careful. As we rebuild our lives and start acquiring new things, we often find ourselves distracted from the one thing that brought us those blessings in the first place – our recovery.

Join us as we discuss the challenges of maintaining focus on recovery ...

In this episode hosts Justin, Nathan, and Cesar share their personal journeys of navigating recovery while overcoming the lingering defenses from their past lives. They explore how, during their using days, they developed survival skills to adapt to dangerous and hostile environments. These defenses, initially necessary for survival, often followed them into early recovery, making everything seem like a threat to their well-being. ...

In this episode, we explore how the lies we tell ourselves—rooted in limiting and destructive belief systems—can be the biggest obstacles to recovery and personal growth. We'll discuss how recovery provides the unique opportunity to identify these lies and begin rewriting the narrative we live by. From confronting deep-seated myths about our worth and capabilities to embracing new, empowering truths, this episode is a guide to resh...

In this week's episode, hosts Justin, Cesar, and Nathan are joined by special guest Rachael for a no-holds-barred discussion on "The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly of Recovery." Together, they share their personal experiences, offering an unfiltered glimpse into the realness of the recovery journey.

From the triumphs of sobriety to the tough realities of relapse and societal stigmas, this episode doesn't shy away from the truth. Each ...

In this episode of "Buffet Style Spirituality," hosts Justin, Cesar, and Nathan dive deep into the concept of keeping an open mind to various sources of recovery. They explore the foundational principles of H.O.W.—honesty, open-mindedness, and willingness—and challenge listeners to consider how broadly they apply these tenets in their lives. Join the trio as they discuss the importance of drawing from a wide array of spiritual and ...

In this episode, host Justin sits down with Mary Beth, whose video has reached hundreds of thousands through a viral TikTok video. This video  shows her emotional reunion with her daughter after Mary Beth's release from federal prison. Mary Beth shares the details of her past, including arrests, trafficking drugs and a shooting of her baby daddy that all led to her incarceration. Tune in as she recounts the struggles and spiritual ...

In this episode of "Life Unscripted," hosts Justin, Nathan, Cesar, and guest Melissa explore the theme of building success from scratch. They share their personal recovery of overcoming obstacles and turning challenges into opportunities. Each narrative emphasizes the journey from nothing to something, underscoring resilience, creativity, and the importance of support networks. Melissa from Sober-Now adds a unique perspective on na...

In this episode, we explore the impact of choice in the journey of recovery with Justin, Nathan, and Cesar. This episode dives into the critical role that personal decisions play in the path toward healing and empowerment. 

Justin, celebrating six years of recovery, offers an intimate look into his journey, revealing the power of the daily commitment to making choices that support growth. Nathan and Cesar contribute their perspecti...

In this  episode your hosts Justin and Nathan take a moment to slow down and reflect on the journey of recovery and navigating through the shadow of tragedy. With Cesar missing from tonight's conversation, the duo jumps into a topic close to their hearts—how to find strength and solace in the face of loss and hardship.

Last week, Justin faced a personal loss with the passing of his mother-in-law, a tragedy that brings to the forefr...