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The Hopeaholics

The Hopeaholics

By: Addicted to Hope
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Welcome to the Hopeaholics Podcast, where we tackle addiction and mental illness through sharing real life experiences, honesty and hope! Hosted by Chad Carlsen, who knows firsthand the destruction that these issues can cause, we're here to offer listeners a much-needed source of inspiration and understanding that will carry them through tough times. Through powerful, honest, and unfiltered interviews, The Hopeaholics provides a beacon of hope for listeners facing similar issues, banishing stigma in the process. If you're looking for an authentic podcast that'll motivate you to overcome hard times and live well, look no further. To get help for yourself or someone you love, call 949-989-6550


© 2026 The Hopeaholics
Hygiene & Healthy Living Personal Development Personal Success Politics & Government Psychology Psychology & Mental Health
Episodes
  • Facing 13 Years in Prison Over Meth and Cocaine with Joe Taback | The Hopeaholics Podcast
    Mar 24 2026

    Facing 13 Years in Prison Over Meth and Cocaine with Joe Taback | The Hopeaholics Podcast


    In this intense episode of the Hopeaholics Podcast, Joe Taback shares his powerful story of addiction, crime, prison, and ultimate redemption. Growing up in Orange County as the oldest of six kids, Joe was surrounded by chaos early on, including a brother serving life in prison, which shaped his outlook on life and choices. His addiction to cocaine and meth spiraled into a dangerous lifestyle involving stolen cars, guns, and running from the law, eventually leading to an arrest that could have put him behind bars for 13 years. Joe opens up about the moment he found himself praying in the back of a cop car for one last chance and how that turning point became the beginning of real change. After fighting his sentence down to three years and staying committed to recovery in prison, he rebuilt his life through faith, accountability, and service to others. Today, Joe works in the recovery space and helps people heal through programs like Rock to Recovery, using his past to inspire hope and transformation. This conversation dives deep into the realities of addiction, the consequences of destructive choices, and the power of second chances. It’s a raw and honest reminder that even in the darkest moments, redemption and purpose are still possible.


    #thehopeaholics #redemption #recovery #AlcoholAddiction #AddictionRecovery #wedorecover #SobrietyJourney #MyStory #Hope #wedorecover #treatmentcenter #natalieevamarie


    Join our patreon to get access to an EXTRA EPISODE every week of ‘Off the Record’, exclusive content, a thriving recovery community, and opportunities to be featured on the podcast. https://patreon.com/TheHopeaholics


    Go to www.Wolfpak.com today and support our sponsors. Don't forget to use code: HOPEAHOLICSPODCAST for 10% off!


    Follow the Hopeaholics on our Socials:
    https://www.instagram.com/thehopeaholics
    https://linktr.ee/thehopeaholics


    Buy Merch:
    https://thehopeaholics.myshopify.com


    Visit our Treatment Centers: https://www.hopebythesea.com
    If you or a loved one needs help, please call or text 949-615-8588. We have the resources to treat mental health and addiction.


    Sponsored by the Infiniti Group LLC:
    https://www.infinitigroupllc.com


    Timestamps:
    00:01:12 - Driving in From Garden Grove and Orange County Background
    00:06:05 - Family Background and Being the Oldest of Six Kids
    00:07:22 - Brother Doing Life in Prison for Murder
    00:29:49 - Treatment Industry and Putting Clients Before Money
    00:33:09 - Relapse and Getting Sober at 26
    00:34:41 - AA Panels in Prison and Early Exposure to Recovery
    00:36:23 - Absconding From Parole and Desperation for Help
    00:37:25 - Praying in the Back of a Cop Car for One Chance
    00:38:17 - Clean Drug Test Miracle and 30 Meetings in 30 Days
    00:41:18 - Kids and Relationship Leading Back to Cocaine and Meth
    00:42:17 - Red Roof Inn, Stolen Cars, Guns, and Rock Bottom
    00:43:20 - Task Force Kicks in Door and Arrest Becomes Clean Date
    00:43:44 - Fighting 13-Year Sentence Down to 3 Years
    00:44:05 - Staying Clean in Prison and Program Autopilot After Release
    00:49:19 - Helping a Friend in Deep Addiction and Psychosis
    00:51:22 - Friend Gets 6 Years Clean and Thrives in Recovery
    00:52:15 - Life Today and Working With Rock to Recovery Through Music

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    1 hr and 3 mins
  • Trapped in Addiction With No Way Out w/ Natalie Miotti | The Hopeaholics Podcast
    Mar 20 2026

    Trapped in Addiction With No Way Out w/ Natalie Miotti | The Hopeaholics Podcast


    In this powerful episode of the Hopeaholics Podcast, Natalie Miotti shares her raw and emotional journey through addiction, loss, and recovery. Growing up in Ojai, California, Natalie opens up about how her substance use escalated from partying in college to a dangerous cycle involving heroin and meth, leading to blackouts, toxic relationships, and a life she could no longer control. She speaks candidly about the devastating loss of her brother to a fentanyl overdose and how that tragedy deeply impacted her path. Despite multiple relapses and hitting rock bottom, Natalie found the strength to pursue recovery and rebuild her life with purpose. This conversation dives into the harsh realities of addiction, the grip it can have on young people, and the resilience it takes to break free. Her story is a reminder that even in the darkest moments, there is still a way out and a reason to keep going. The hosts reflect on the importance of community, honesty, and accountability in long-term sobriety. If you or someone you love is struggling, this episode offers hope, perspective, and proof that recovery is possible.


    #thehopeaholics #redemption #recovery #AlcoholAddiction #AddictionRecovery #wedorecover #SobrietyJourney #MyStory #Hope #wedorecover #treatmentcenter #natalieevamarie


    Join our patreon to get access to an EXTRA EPISODE every week of ‘Off the Record’, exclusive content, a thriving recovery community, and opportunities to be featured on the podcast. https://patreon.com/TheHopeaholics


    Go to www.Wolfpak.com today and support our sponsors. Don't forget to use code: HOPEAHOLICSPODCAST for 10% off!


    Follow the Hopeaholics on our Socials:
    https://www.instagram.com/thehopeaholics
    https://linktr.ee/thehopeaholics


    Buy Merch:
    https://thehopeaholics.myshopify.com


    Visit our Treatment Centers: https://www.hopebythesea.com
    If you or a loved one needs help, please call or text 949-615-8588. We have the resources to treat mental health and addiction.


    Sponsored by the Infiniti Group LLC:
    https://www.infinitigroupllc.com


    Timestamps:
    00:01:28 - Growing Up in Ojai, California
    00:02:06 - Brother’s Fentanyl Overdose
    00:08:25 - Going to University of San Francisco
    00:09:14 - Brother Sees How Bad Addiction Got
    00:10:18 - Addiction Gets Worse After Community College
    00:12:26 - Heavy Drug Use and Blackouts
    00:12:54 - Accidentally Coming Out on April Fool’s Day
    00:13:32 - Using Heroin Again With Friends
    00:14:21 - Family Intervenes and Suggests Treatment
    00:32:39 - Leaving Treatment and Relapsing Into Toxic Relationship
    00:34:06 - Escalation Into Meth and Heroin
    00:34:59 - Criminal Activity and Dangerous Lifestyle
    01:07:16 - Reflection on Addiction and Recovery
    01:08:43 - Finding Faith and Purpose
    01:09:11 - Loss That Inspired the Podcast Mission
    01:10:32 - Purpose of Sharing Recovery Stories

    Show more Show less
    1 hr and 13 mins
  • Getting 3 DUI's Before 18 with Laisha Martinez | The Hopeaholics Podcast
    Mar 17 2026

    Getting 3 DUI's Before 18 with Laisha Martinez | The Hopeaholics Podcast


    In this powerful episode of the Hopeaholics Podcast, we sit down with Laisha Martinez to share her raw and inspiring story of addiction, recovery, and redemption. Laisha opens up about growing up in North Carolina, starting substance use at a young age, and quickly spiraling into a dangerous cycle of Xanax and alcohol abuse that led to multiple DUIs and life-threatening situations. After hitting rock bottom at just 18 years old, she made the life-changing decision to enter treatment in Malibu, where she began rebuilding her life through recovery, the 12 steps, and deep personal growth. Now over four years sober, Laisha uses her voice and her podcast, Fck the Stigma*, to help break the stigma around addiction and mental health while inspiring others that recovery is possible at any age. This conversation dives into the realities of addiction, the power of community and spirituality in recovery, and how healing can turn even the darkest chapters into a purpose-driven life. She also shares the painful loss of a close friend and how that experience strengthened her commitment to staying sober and helping others. The hosts reflect on their own recovery journeys, discussing the daily work it takes to maintain sobriety and personal growth. If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, this episode is a reminder that change is possible and that no one has to face recovery alone.


    Check out F#CK THE STIGMA here: https://www.youtube.com/@fthestigma


    #thehopeaholics #redemption #recovery #AlcoholAddiction #AddictionRecovery #wedorecover #SobrietyJourney #MyStory #Hope #wedorecover #treatmentcenter #natalieevamarie


    Join our patreon to get access to an EXTRA EPISODE every week of ‘Off the Record’, exclusive content, a thriving recovery community, and opportunities to be featured on the podcast. https://patreon.com/TheHopeaholics


    Go to www.Wolfpak.com today and support our sponsors. Don't forget to use code: HOPEAHOLICSPODCAST for 10% off!


    Follow the Hopeaholics on our Socials:
    https://www.instagram.com/thehopeaholics
    https://linktr.ee/thehopeaholics


    Buy Merch:
    https://thehopeaholics.myshopify.com


    Visit our Treatment Centers: https://www.hopebythesea.com
    If you or a loved one needs help, please call or text 949-615-8588. We have the resources to treat mental health and addiction.


    Sponsored by the Infiniti Group LLC:
    https://www.infinitigroupllc.com


    Timestamps:
    00:02:06 - Starting the Fuck the Stigma Podcast
    00:02:32 - Getting Sober in Malibu and Moving Back to LA
    00:04:02 - Growing Up in North Carolina
    00:05:30 - First Time Trying Weed at 14
    00:09:15 - First Time Drinking and Blacking Out
    00:11:58 - First Time Trying Xanax
    00:13:15 - Falling in Love With Blacking Out
    00:18:09 - First DUI at 17
    00:20:13 - Second DUI and Escalating Addiction
    00:23:11 - Third DUI and Hitting Rock Bottom
    00:26:09 - Being Told to Go to Treatment
    00:27:44 - Arriving at Rehab in Malibu
    00:28:36 - Realizing She Might Be an Alcoholic
    00:30:21 - Getting a Sponsor and Entering Sober Living
    00:32:17 - Codependency and Drug Use With Best Friend
    00:32:43 - Finding Out Her Best Friend Died
    00:35:44 - Learning to Rely on God in Sobriety
    00:37:09 - Reaching Four and a Half Years Sober
    00:47:02 - Handling Problems in Sobriety Without Using

    Show more Show less
    58 mins
All stars
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Being in recovery I appreciate this podcast and it’s positivity so much! It’s very brutally honest yet such inspirational content.

Inspiring

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