Shows
Get a Grip PodcastHe Started Using OC-80's With The Host of our Show at 15 Years Old | Ep 89From high school halls to hospital beds, jail cells, and the edge of death—Alex Panzera’s story is one of brutal honesty, quiet resilience, and the relentless fight to stay alive.In this gripping and emotional episode, we dive into the life of Alex, who first experimented with OxyContin at just 15 years old. What began as a casual escape quickly unraveled into a nightmare. Within a few short years, Alex was fully consumed by heroin addiction, chasing a high that always left him lower than before. As his world spiraled out of control, the drugs weren’t enough—and alco...2025-07-241h 20
Get a Grip PodcastFrom Small-Town Ohio to Strung Out In Brooklyn: My Decent Into Addiction | Ep 68In this powerful and raw episode, Louis and Aaron sit down with Jenna Daubenmire — a resilient woman whose journey will leave you speechless. Jenna grew up in a small town in Ohio, where life was simple and filled with the warmth of family. But like many, she found herself pulled into a world far darker than anyone could have imagined. Chasing the high that promised to numb the pain, Jenna eventually found herself in the heart of New York City, caught up in the chaos of Chinatown’s infamous "china white" heroin scene.What started as recreational use quickly spir...2025-07-211h 34
Get a Grip PodcastThe Devil in Detox: How Rock Bottom Doesn’t Care Where You Come From | Ep 67In this raw and deeply moving episode, Louis and Aaron sit down with Casey Richards, whose story is as gripping as it is inspiring. On the surface, Casey had it all— a stable, loving upbringing, everything he could ever want or need, and a promising future. But addiction doesn't discriminate.Casey takes us through his unexpected descent into substance dependence, focusing on his brutal experience with benzodiazepine withdrawal—an ordeal that he describes in haunting detail. From the sleepless nights, unrelenting anxiety, and waves of terror, to the hopelessness that seemed to have no end, Casey opens up about the...2025-07-1753 min
Get a Grip PodcastHow Cocaine, Adderall, And Meth Led Me To Heart Failure, Relying On Batteries To Stay Alive | Ep 66In this jaw-dropping episode, Louis and Aaron sit down with the unforgettable Kody Schaffner — better known as “Just a Dude on Batteries.” Kody’s story begins in a quiet small town in Ohio, but his path quickly takes a turn most couldn’t imagine. After bouncing through the foster care system, Kody began drinking at an early age, seeking escape and stability in all the wrong places. As an adult, Kody became a hardworking tower tech for T-Mobile, scaling massive towers and logging endless hours. To keep up with the brutal demands of the job, he turned...2025-07-1442 min
Get a Grip PodcastFentanyl, Felonies, and a Second Chance — The Dark Side of Addiction | Ep 65In this gripping and unfiltered episode, Louis sit's down with Tyler Baker—better known in the streets as Vito Dinero—for an unforgettable deep dive into the life of a man who went from stealing cars and running hustles to rebuilding his life after prison. Tyler’s story is raw, real, and packed with emotion, revealing the dark alleys of a criminal past and the uphill climb toward redemption.Tyler opens up about growing up in chaos—from a broken home filled with instability to the early choices that pulled him into a world of crime. As a kid, h...2025-07-1059 min
Get a Grip PodcastI Interviewed The Judge That Sent Me To Jail - Then Helped Me Get A Job There | Ep 64In this powerful and emotional full-circle moment, Louis sits down with none other than The Honorable Judge Stephen McIntosh — the very judge who once sentenced him to jail.What begins as an intense reunion quickly unfolds into a candid, raw, and deeply insightful conversation about justice, redemption, and the power of second chances. Judge McIntosh opens up about the hard truths of the prison system, exposing the flaws he’s witnessed firsthand after decades on the bench. But he doesn’t stop there — he shares how his perspective has evolved and the changes he’s made in his courtroom, including...2025-07-0745 min
Get a Grip PodcastMaster Manipulator Transported Drugs Around Prison | Episode 63In this powerful and emotional episode, Louis and Aaron sit down with Sean McMahon, a man whose life took a drastic turn from a seemingly typical suburban childhood to the unforgiving grip of addiction and crime. Sean grew up in a stable home, surrounded by everything he needed to succeed. But by the age of 13, his curiosity and environment led him down a dangerous path—he tried hard drugs for the first time, and nothing was ever the same.That early encounter ignited a downward spiral that would consume his teenage years and carry him deep into the world of...2025-07-021h 28
Get a Grip PodcastUsing Heroin At 15 Years Old Led Me To Prostitution, Trauma, a Life I Couldn't Escape | Episode 63Alyx Gold’s story starts off like many others — a relatively normal childhood, a decent upbringing, nothing too out of the ordinary. She had hopes, dreams, and a future ahead of her. But everything changed the day she tried heroin for the first time at just 15 years old. That single moment sent her life spiraling into a world she never could have imagined. What followed was years of darkness — battling addiction, committing crimes just to survive, and selling herself for money in the streets. The girl who once had so much potential found herself trapped in a cycle of pain...2025-06-301h 48
Get a Grip PodcastI Was A Fetty Fiend Doing 12 Pills A Day | Episode 62In this gripping episode, we sit down with Steven Preciado—a stand-up comic from California whose story is anything but ordinary. Despite growing up in a stable, “normal” home, Steven’s path took a sharp turn when he began experimenting with alcohol and drugs at a young age. What started as a curiosity quickly spiraled into chaos as he found himself in the deadly grip of fetty addiction. He lost his way, lost himself, and nearly lost his life. But against all odds—and without going to rehab—Steven fought his way back from the brink. Through sheer will and determin...2025-06-261h 17
Get a Grip PodcastFraud, Feds, and Federal Time: The Real Story of a Miami Cuban Con Artist | Episode 61Louis sits down with Nelson Rodriguez who was raised in the gritty, vibrant streets of Miami, where the Cuban-American culture runs deep and the pressure to succeed — by any means — runs even deeper. Born into a hard-nosed Cuban family, Nelson learned early that survival meant staying sharp, staying tough, and sometimes bending the rules. He was street-smart, charismatic, and hungry for more than just the scraps life handed him. But instead of choosing the slow, steady grind, Nelson went after the fast life — and he found it in fraud.By his mid-20s, Nelson was knee-deep in a high-level medica...2025-06-2350 min
Get a Grip PodcastFrom 8th Grade Dropout to 2 Prison Numbers: How He Survived Addiction With 4 Kids On The Streets | Episode 60In this raw and powerful episode, we sit down with Jonathon — a man whose story starts with pain, chaos, and early abandonment, but doesn’t end there. Dropping out of school in the 8th grade, Jonathon was thrown into a world that showed no mercy. With little direction and even fewer options, he quickly found himself swallowed by the streets, addiction, and eventually two prison sentences.As his heroin addiction took hold, Jonathon was trying to survive not only for himself — but for his four children. Homeless, hopeless, and haunted by his past, he faced every parent’s worst nightmar...2025-06-1959 min
Get a Grip PodcastManic Highs & Vegas Nights: My Bipolar Journey Through Addiction | Episode 59At 26 years old, David Funes experienced his first full-blown manic episode—and his entire life imploded. In this episode, Louis and Aaron uncover the ride that follows and it's a wild, unfiltered ride through mental illness, addiction, and survival. From studying at Bible College to committing a federal crime… from psychiatric wards to crashing with his drug dealer… from owning a nightclub to ending up homeless—this story sounds made-up, but it's all real.In this brutally honest and deeply human conversation, David opens up about his journey through bipolar disorder, the chaos it unleashed, and how he slowly clawed h...2025-06-161h 55
Get a Grip PodcastHer Baby Daddy Watched Her OD on FaceTime | Episode 58In this powerful and raw episode of the Get A Grip Podcast, Louis and Aaron sit down with Shae Ramos — a courageous woman who’s walking the difficult but inspiring path of early recovery.Shae didn’t grow up in chaos. In fact, she came from a solid upbringing — a life full of potential and promise. But addiction doesn’t discriminate. What began as casual drinking slowly turned into a reliance on painkillers, and eventually, Shae found herself entangled in a world she never imagined becoming a part of. The grip of addiction tightened until it nearly cost her everything...2025-06-121h 03
Get a Grip PodcastFrom CEO, to Divorced Peruvian Cocaine Smuggler, to 37 Years Sober | Episode 57John’s journey is nothing short of jaw-dropping. He started drinking at a shockingly young age, long before most kids even know what addiction is. But for years, he lived in denial—brushing off the red flags, numbing the pain, and convincing himself he had everything under control. By all appearances, he was succeeding. He built his own logistics company from the ground up and looked like a man on the rise. But behind the scenes, the addiction was tightening its grip.Then it all came crashing down.John lost everything—his company, his home, and his marriage. The very f...2025-06-091h 33
Get a Grip PodcastHow She Survived A Decade Of Human Trafficking | Episode 37In this powerful episode, Louis dives deep into the incredible story of Vanessa Torres – a woman who overcame unimaginable hardships to transform her life and become a beacon of hope for others. Raised in a broken household surrounded by poverty, drugs, and chaos, Vanessa grew up with six siblings in an environment that seemed designed to keep her down. Her early life was marked by addiction, with drinking and drugs serving as an escape from the turmoil. But everything changed when Vanessa was trafficked and groomed by a manipulative trafficker. Trapped in a vicious cycle for nearly a...2025-06-061h 15
Get a Grip PodcastGrowing Up With A Sexual Predator For A Brother And How I Became An Alcoholic By 16 Years Old | Episode 56In this raw and powerful episode, Louis sits down with Dennis McFarland—a man whose journey from chaos to redemption is nothing short of miraculous. Growing up dirt-poor in a packed house with eight cousins, Dennis’s childhood was defined by turmoil, survival, and heartbreak. Times were so tough, they resorted to eating cat food just to make it through the day.By the age of 16, Dennis was a full-blown alcoholic, numbing the pain of a life that seemed hopeless. But things took an even darker turn when he became possessed by a demonic force—something he speaks about with c...2025-06-051h 16
Get a Grip PodcastSupporting My Family While Hooked on Opiates In Cleveland Ohio | Episode 55In this powerful and emotional episode, Aaron sits down with Joey Louis, a remarkable man with a story that will leave you speechless. Growing up in Cleveland, Ohio, Joey didn’t have the typical childhood — he was forced to grow up fast, becoming the caretaker for both his mother and younger brother, who were battling addiction to opiates.Joey opens up about the unimaginable weight he carried at such a young age. With his family spiraling deeper into addiction, he was trapped in a cycle of chaos, fear, and heartbreak. But Joey didn’t give up. Instead, he mad...2025-06-022h 44
Get a Grip PodcastHow I Went From Breaking The Law to Enforcing It | Episode 54In this powerful episode, we sit down with Ernest Hayden, a man whose life story reads like a movie — but it's 100% real. Growing up in a tough environment surrounded by crime and chaos, Ernest was pulled into a world of drug dealing and criminal activity from a young age. For years, that life defined him — until he made a choice that would change everything.Ernest didn’t just walk away from the streets — he transformed his mindset, his path, and his purpose. Ironically, he first enrolled in school for criminal justice not to reform his life, but to become a better...2025-05-291h 28
Get a Grip PodcastMMA Fighter Kicks Heroin and Ends up on A&E's 60 Days In | Episode 53From the depths of addiction to the bright lights of television, Daniel Ritchie’s journey is nothing short of extraordinary. In this gripping episode of our podcast, we sit down with Daniel to uncover the raw and powerful story of a man who once lived in the shadows, chasing a high in a desperate attempt to belong.Growing up, Daniel always felt like an outsider. Struggling to find his place in the world, he turned to heroin at a young age—seeking comfort and connection in all the wrong places. His addiction took him to some dark and...2025-05-262h 15
Get a Grip PodcastThe Truth About MAT: My Journey Out of Addiction | Episode 52Louis and Aaron sit down with Lance Ball whose journey is nothing short of extraordinary—heartbreaking, inspiring, and a true testament to the power of resilience and hope.Born into a world stacked against him, Lance didn’t just witness hardship—he lived it, day in and day out. His childhood was shaped by instability, trauma, and survival. His mother, locked in a cycle of poverty and pain, turned to prostitution to provide. His father, consumed by addiction, was largely absent, both physically and emotionally. Lance’s earliest memories aren’t of playgrounds or birthday parties—they’re of dark alleys, s...2025-05-231h 09
Get a Grip PodcastFrom Gucci to Guilty: He Grabbed the Bag, Then Got Bagged | Episode 50In this unforgettable episode, Aaron sits down with Tony Williams—a man whose story is as raw as it is inspiring. Tony takes us deep into the world he was born into: a childhood overshadowed by drugs, crime, and survival. With a father who sold crack and a home life that resembled a trap house more than a safe haven, Tony’s earliest lessons were taught on the streets. He opens up about how being exposed to addiction, violence, and fast money at such a young age shaped his mindset, hardened his heart, and made criminal life feel like the...2025-05-191h 38
Get a Grip PodcastHow After a Brutal Heroin Addiction I Got Sober and Lost My Leg | Episode 49In this emotionally charged and deeply revealing episode, Louis sits down with Josh Hart for a conversation that is as raw as it is inspiring. From the very first moments, Josh takes us into the heart of his story—a story marked by chaos, crime, and the relentless grip of heroin addiction. He doesn’t hold back as he recounts how what began as experimentation spiraled into a full-blown dependency that shattered every part of his life. He lost relationships, freedom, and any sense of self-worth. The addiction didn’t just ruin his life—it consumed it, leading him down a p...2025-05-1556 min
Get a Grip PodcastI Survived 17 Years On The Streets In Active Addiction As A Call Girl | Episode 48In this powerful and deeply moving episode, Aaron sits down with Rachel McIntyre—a survivor, warrior, and true inspiration. Before the age of 18, Rachel had already endured more than most face in a lifetime. Raised in the harsh realities of poverty, she navigated a childhood filled with instability, emotional neglect, and danger. Her early years were marked by relentless hardship, including multiple instances of sexual assault that left lasting emotional scars. As a teenager, Rachel turned to drugs in an attempt to silence the pain and chaos within—a coping mechanism that quickly spiraled into a dangerous addi...2025-05-121h 58
Get a Grip PodcastEx-Delta Employee Tells All About Flights to Florida To Get Pills | Episode 47In this deeply moving and candid episode, Louis sits down with Stephanie Cooks, a woman whose life story is both a powerful reflection of America’s opioid crisis and a shining example of resilience and transformation. Stephanie began her adult life working as a flight attendant with Delta Airlines, living what many would consider a dream career. But beneath the polished exterior, she struggled with growing emotional pain and personal challenges that eventually led her to the heart of one of the most dangerous drug epidemics in U.S. history—the Florida pill mill era...2025-05-081h 17
Get a Grip PodcastAddiction Led Her to the Wrong Door — Or the Right One? | Episode 46Jen Garnes’ life is the kind of story that feels like a movie—but every moment is real. Born into a home shaped by addiction, Jen grew up in the shadows of alcoholism and drug abuse. Her earliest memories are laced with instability, emotional pain, and survival. At a young age, she experienced a devastating loss that would alter the course of her life forever—her father passed away due to his addiction. That trauma sent her spiraling into her own battle with substances, unknowingly following the same dark path. What happened next is almost too wild to bel...2025-05-051h 28
Get a Grip PodcastI OD'd and Lost Most of My Memories | Episode 45In this unforgettable episode, we sit down with Khelisa Brunner — a woman whose story is a raw, unfiltered testament to survival, resilience, and the healing power of hope. Khelisa grew up in a world where love was scarce and chaos was constant. With an abusive father who ruled through fear and violence and a mother battling alcoholism, her childhood was marked by instability, trauma, and emotional abandonment. From an early age, she was forced to become her own protector, navigating a home filled with turmoil and unpredictability.As the pain of her upbringing weighed heavier on her sp...2025-05-021h 08
Get a Grip PodcastHow I OD'd and Most of My Memories | Episode 45In this powerful and emotionally charged episode, Louis sits down with Khelisa Brunner as she shares the story of her life—a story rooted in deep trauma, pain, and ultimately, transformation. Khelisa's journey begins with a moment that would change everything: at just five years old, she discovered her father dying of a heart attack in their backyard. While the image of that day would be burned into her memory, what lingered even more deeply was the complex and painful relationship she had with him. Khelisa describes her father as "evil," and though her understanding of that word was sh...2025-05-011h 08
Get a Grip PodcastHow One Split Second Decision Changed a Man's Life Forever | Episode 44In this gripping and emotional episode, Louis and Aaron dive deep into the life of Kamal Sahr — a man whose journey through darkness ultimately led him to become a beacon of hope for others.Kamal’s early life was marred by crime, violence, and time spent in and out of the prison system. For years, the streets defined him. But one tragic night at a bar would change everything forever. After a heated argument escalated, Kamal pulled a gun and fired a shot that killed a young man named Aman. That fatal decision not only cost a life but also...2025-04-282h 02
Get a Grip PodcastThe Brutal Life of Living Addiction With My Mother | Episode 43In this powerful episode Louis and Aaron sit down with Miriah Crissinger — a woman who has lived through trauma, addiction, profound loss, and the long, grueling road to healing.Miriah's childhood was anything but typical. Raised in a home marked by chaos, her earliest memories are woven with pain and confusion. Her mother, trapped in the grip of addiction, created an environment of emotional turmoil, where safety and stability were hard to come by. The very person meant to nurture and protect her was instead consumed by her own battles, leaving Miriah to grow up far too fa...2025-04-241h 12
Get a Grip PodcastFrom Mafia Roots to Rock Bottom | Episode 42In this gripping and brutally honest episode, Louis sits down with Tony DeCecco — a man whose life story sounds like something straight out of a gangster film, but every word is real. Raised in a traditional Italian family with deep roots in the mob, Tony grew up surrounded by crime, loyalty, and an unspoken code of the streets. From a young age, he was exposed to a world most people only hear about in whispers — a world of power, fear, and fast money.But that world came with a cost. What began as a life of privilege in the unde...2025-04-211h 19
Get a Grip PodcastShe OD'd 11 Times In 3 Days! | Episode 41In this raw and gripping episode, Louis sits down with Sannavah, a woman whose story defies belief. Over the course of just three days, she overdosed eleven times — with her very first overdose caught on national television on Live PD. That moment marked the beginning of a downward spiral into addiction, jail, and a life that felt impossible to escape.Louis guides the conversation with compassion and honesty, pulling back the curtain on the darkest parts of Sannavah’s life. She opens up about using IV drugs behind bars, smuggling narcotics into jail, and the revolving door of failed...2025-04-2047 min
Get a Grip PodcastHow One Alcoholic Mother Sought Treatment With Her Addict Daughter | Episode 40The Justice & Stephanie Story is a raw and riveting podcast where Louis dives deep into the wild, heartbreaking, and ultimately inspiring journey of mother-daughter duo, Justice Blonde and Stephanie Adams. Once trapped in a cycle of addiction, crime, and chaos—Justice even stole a dump truck at her lowest point, while Stephanie desperately tried to stop her daughter’s drug deals—their relationship was anything but healthy. But today? They’re four years sober, thriving, and more connected than ever. Join them as they revisit the darkest moments of their past with brutal honesty, reflect on the pain and...2025-04-141h 52
Get a Grip PodcastHer Last Chance: Girlfriend Takes Control After Couple OD's While Driving | Episode 38In this jaw-dropping episode, Louis and Aaron dive into the wild and dangerous life of Heather McCoy, a woman who once lived a real-life Bonnie and Clyde story. Caught in the grips of addiction, Heather and her boyfriend were on a rampage—robbing, stealing cars, getting high, and leaving a trail of chaos and destruction in their wake. They were untouchable, living fast and reckless, terrorizing the city while sinking deeper into the dark world of drugs and crime. But their reckless journey came crashing down in a life-or-death moment. While driving, Heather’s boyfriend overdosed, leaving Heat...2025-04-131h 30
Get a Grip PodcastD.A.R.E Didn't Work For Me So Now I speak In School's and Share My Story Addiction | Episode 39In this powerful and raw video, Louis visits a middle school to share his real-life journey through addiction, recovery, and the hard lessons he learned along the way. With honesty and heart, he opens up about how programs like D.A.R.E. failed to prepare him for the realities of substance abuse and the deeper issues that led him down a dark path.Rather than scare tactics or slogans, he offers something more valuable: the truth. His story is not just about drugs—it's about pain, choices, healing, and hope. This talk is a must-watch for parents, teachers, and te...2025-04-1040 min
Get a Grip PodcastFrom Broken Homes and Addiction to Prison Cells - A Man Searching for a Place to Belong | Episode 36In this powerful and deeply personal podcast, Damien sits down with Louis and Aaron and shares his incredible journey of hardship, addiction, and redemption. Growing up in a seemingly perfect, well-to-do neighborhood, Damien’s life appeared to be set up for success. But behind the facade of wealth and privilege, his home life was far from ideal. His mother’s battle with alcoholism and her explosive anger created an environment filled with chaos, leaving Damien feeling neglected, abandoned, and lost. The emotional toll was overwhelming, eventually leading to Damien being placed in foster care at a young age.As he g...2025-03-242h 27
Get a Grip PodcastA Rebel Raised By a Police Dective Turns Into a Prson Gang Boss | Episode 35In this powerful and raw episode of our podcast, Louis and Aaron had the privilege of interviewing Jack Lloyd, a man whose incredible journey of transformation is nothing short of inspiring. Jack grew up in a family where service to others was a way of life—every member was either in the military or law enforcement, with his father serving as a detective. Despite this strong foundation, Jack’s path took a much different turn, as he found himself drawn to the rebellious world of graffiti. He began tagging train cars and buildings, a thrill that eventually led...2025-03-172h 05
Get a Grip PodcastThe Merciless Truth Behind Human Trafficking | Episode 34In this heart-wrenching and deeply moving episode, Louis and Aaron have the honor of speaking with Heather Hackett, a brave survivor of human trafficking. Heather opens up about her personal journey, describing in vivid detail how she was trafficked and the insidious cycle that kept her trapped for years. With raw emotion, she explains the psychological manipulation and coercion that often keeps victims in these situations, making it incredibly difficult to break free. Through her tears, Heather recounts some of the darkest moments of her life—moments that no one should ever have to en...2025-03-101h 26
Get a Grip PodcastMeth Made Son of God Hit by Truck | Episode 33In this raw, unfiltered episode, Louis and Aaron sit down with David Frazier who takes listeners on a gripping journey through his tumultuous life—one shaped by addiction, chaos, and a constant battle with the demons that ran deep in his bloodline. Growing up surrounded by drugs and alcohol, David’s story begins long before his first drink or hit of substance; addiction was a generational curse that had a firm grip on him from day one. David pulls no punches as he recounts the wildest, most unimaginable moments of his active addiction, from selling drugs at recovery meetings to b...2025-03-031h 09
Get a Grip PodcastSurviving Hell: A Fentanyl Addict Reveals his Brutal Life Style and How He Made it Out Alive | Episode 32In this powerful full-length episode, we follow the extraordinary journey of Josh Fessler, a man who fought through a life of trauma, addiction, and crime to find a path to sobriety and transformation. Josh’s story begins with a childhood marked by pain, leading him to drugs and alcohol at a young age as a means to cope. As his addiction spiraled, Josh resorted to selling drugs and committing crimes just to survive. But it wasn't until an unimaginable series of events—16 overdoses in a three-month period—that Josh hit rock bottom, eventually landing him back in jail. It was th...2025-02-241h 47
Get a Grip PodcastAn Ex-Correction Officer Tells the Brutal Truth behind Death Row | Episode 31In this powerful and thought-provoking podcast, Louis and Aaron sit down with David Beechy, who shares his extraordinary journey from growing up Amish to becoming a corrections officer on death row in Tennessee. David opens up about the unique and often difficult experience of being raised in the Amish community, the challenges he faced both personally and socially, and the way he was perceived by others. After deciding to break away from his Amish upbringing, David pursued a career in law enforcement, starting with a security job. His life took a surprising turn one night when he randomly applied...2025-02-171h 09
Get a Grip PodcastPill Mills and Profits: The Man Behind the Midwest Opioid Crisis | Episode 30In this powerful and eye-opening episode Louis and Aaron sit down with David Crego, a man whose journey through the dark world of Florida's pill mills in the early 2000s reveals the true cost of the opioid epidemic. David shares his personal story of getting involved in crime and hustling at an early age, which ultimately led him into the dangerous pill mill rat race. He trafficked prescription painkillers from Florida to the Midwest, all while struggling with addiction and the destructive forces of his past. David opens up about how his father, a...2025-02-102h 00
Get a Grip PodcastTrap House in the Suburbs Raided After Fatal Overdose Landing his Grandmother In Cuffs | Episode 29In this raw podcast, Louis and Aaron interview Caleb Alexander who opens up about his life growing up in a seemingly perfect suburban home, where privilege and opportunity were abundant. But behind the walls of that house, Caleb's reality was far from ordinary. Raised by his late father, William, a heroin user, Caleb shares the shocking truth of what went on in their home, the struggles, and the devastating impact of addiction. As Caleb's story unfolds, he describes how his own addiction took root and ultimately led him to using heroin alongside his father. ...2025-02-031h 03
Get a Grip PodcastSurviving Trauma and 17 Days Without Sleep Turns Into Psychosis | Episode 28In this deeply emotional and candid episode, Louis and Aaron interview Heather who shares her harrowing story of survival, resilience, and recovery. Growing up in an environment filled with relentless physical and mental abuse, Heather was forced to fend for herself from a young age. By 17, she found herself homeless, couch surfing, and doing whatever she could to survive. As she navigated life without support, she began to experiment with drugs—starting with weed, Adderall, and opiates—looking for an escape from the pain.But everything changed when she discovered meth. What began as a way to cope spiraled into...2025-01-271h 14
Get a Grip PodcastFirst Day of Freedom A Dangerous Career Criminal and Addict on his Last Chance at Life | Episode 27In this unbelievable episode, Louis sits down with Dustin Starkey, who we had the chance to interview on his first day out of prison. Dustin has spent the majority of his life caught in the grip of crime and addiction, and the legal system. Dustin also opens up about his family's involvement in illegal activities shaping much of his path. From wild stories of danger and survival, including a chaotic incident at a motel involving a machete, Dustin’s life has been nothing short of tumultuous and dangerous .But now, after years of struggle, Dustin is given on...2025-01-2044 min
Get a Grip PodcastA Life Shaped by the 80's Crack Epidemic: How a Cop Gave Me a Second Chance | Episode 26In this powerful episode Louis and Aaron sit down with Quan Gray. He opens up about his tumultuous upbringing during the crack epidemic of the 1980s. Growing up on the tough streets, Quan idolized his father, a well-known drug dealer, and found himself tangled in the chaos of crime and addiction. With countless run-ins with the law, Quan seemed destined to repeat the same destructive patterns. But when he hit rock bottom, the unlikeliest of people—a police officer—stepped in and gave him a second chance at life. Tune in to hear Quan’s raw, i...2025-01-131h 33
Get a Grip PodcastPublic Defender to Judge and the Human Experience of Prison Sentencing | Episode 25In this powerful episode of Get A Grip Podcast, convicted felon-turned-host, Louis Essig sits down with Judge Sheryl Munson of the Franklin County Common Pleas Court in Columbus, Ohio, for a candid conversation about the human side of the justice system. Judge Munson opens up about the traumatic events of her childhood and how they shaped her perspective on law, justice, and empathy towards others. As the only former public defender now serving as a judge in the Franklin County Common Pleas Court, Judge Munson shares her unique journey from defending clients to deciding their fates in...2025-01-0648 min
Get a Grip PodcastMother, Son and the Needle : How Using Heroin With my Mother Ended In Tragedy | Episode 24In this unfiltered episode of Get A Grip Podcast, co-host Louis Essig sits down with Aaron Garnes to reveal his shocking and inspiring story of addiction, loss, and redemption. Growing up in a good neighborhood with endless opportunities, Louis never imagined his life would spiral into homelessness and heroin addiction. But the path he took led him to some of the darkest moments imaginable.Louis shares jaw-dropping stories about his fractured relationship with his mother, who was also an addict. From the chilling moment he shot his mother up for the first time, to being asked by police to...2024-12-301h 09
Get a Grip PodcastA Prison Guard Fell in Love With me While we Ran a Drug Ring | Episode 23In this episode Louis and Aaron sit down with Joe Seifert. Joe battled addiction to prescription painkillers early in his life, which led him into a downward spiral of criminal activity and ultimately landed him in prison. His story takes a darker turn inside the walls of the penitentiary, where he found himself caught in a dangerous game of manipulation and deceit. While incarcerated, he wasn't just fighting the demons of addiction; he was also involved in running a sophisticated drug ring within the prison system. Using his cunning and charisma, he managed to manipulate a female...2024-12-241h 02Get a Grip PodcastI Survived 20 Years as an Opioid Addict and Found Sobriety When I Met My Wife Flying a Sign Homeless | Episode 22In this powerful and inspiring episode Louis sits down with his co-host, Aaron Garnes who opens up about his incredible journey of overcoming addiction, incarceration, and homelessness. Raised by a father who struggled with addiction and was frequently in and out of prison, Aaron grew up in a turbulent environment that set the stage for his own battles. Struggling with heroin addiction, Aaron's life spiraled out of control, leading him to break into a firehouse—a crime that ultimately resulted in a prison sentence.After serving time, Aaron's life didn't improve right away. He found himself homeless, with nowhere to...2024-12-161h 12Get a Grip PodcastHow I was Groomed To Be a Drug Dealer at 12 Years Old | Episode 21In this powerful and emotional episode, Louis and Aaron sit down with Bridget Evans. A woman whose life story is one of unimaginable hardship, resilience, and transformation. Growing up in a broken home, Bridget's childhood was shaped by her father's involvement in the drug trade. Not only did he sell drugs, but he also groomed her to eventually take over the family business, pulling her into a world of crime and danger from an incredibly young age.As a result of her environment, Bridget found herself drawn into addiction at an early age, using any substance she...2024-12-091h 15Get a Grip PodcastMan's $200K College Bookstore Scam Exposed: Fake Prescriptions & OxyContin Addiction | Episode 20In this episode, Louis dives deep into the incredible and shocking true story of Kevin Lanning—a man who once orchestrated a massive $200,000 scam at a college bookstore to feed his insatiable Oxycontin addiction. Kevin’s desperate need to fund his habit led him to manipulate the system and con his way into stealing hundreds of thousands of dollars from a trusted institution. But the scam wasn’t his only crime. Kevin was also involved in trafficking prescription pills, using corrupt doctors and pain clinics to illegally obtain and sell Oxycontin, all while spiraling deeper into addiction. As Kevin’s story...2024-12-051h 04Get a Grip PodcastLocked in Maximum Security Prison for 6 Years: The Price of Being a Meth King Pin | Episode 19In this episode Louis and Aaron sit down with Nate Burchard who tells his incredible story of being a meth kingpin, and being arrested and sentenced to 6 years in maximum security prison. His criminal empire came crashing down when he was caught with a stash of drugs, firearms, and drug money. Life behind bars was anything but easy, and he found himself facing the brutal reality of prison life, including a harrowing 6 months in solitary confinement, where isolation and mental torment pushed him to his limits.Throughout his time in prison, he battled not only the harsh...2024-12-011h 25Get a Grip PodcastWaiting 7 Days to Die | Episode 18In this special episode of Get a Grip Podcast, Louis sits down with Manny Vitale, a former Detroit Police officer and outlaw biker whose life story is one of survival, transformation, and redemption. Manny opens up about the unimaginable hardships he faced, including surviving a bullet to the face, being stabbed, and fighting a battle with alcoholism that nearly took his life.His journey through pain and suffering is a testament to his resilience, as he overcame each obstacle and came out stronger on the other side. Manny takes us through the dark chapters of his life...2024-11-2736 minGet a Grip PodcastSurviving Gunshots, Gang Life, and Prison: A Former Drug Dealer’s Journey to Recovery | Episode 17In this powerful and emotional video, Randy Bays opens up about his incredible journey from the dangers of gang life to a place of recovery and success. Born and raised in a world of violence, crime, and hardship, Randy’s life was shaped by the streets. He survived being shot multiple times, witnessed unimaginable trauma, and found himself trapped in the vicious cycle of gang life. But despite the odds stacked against him, Randy didn’t let his past define him. After years of struggling and ultimately spending time behind bars, Randy hit rock bottom, but it was...2024-11-241h 28Get a Grip PodcastStealing from the System: How Burglarizing a CO’s Home Sent Me to Prison for 17 Years | Episode 16In episode 16 of the Get A Grip Podcast, hosts Aaron and Louis sit down with Dion Evans, who spent 17 years in prison for burglarizing a correctional officer's home. Dion opens up about the mistakes that led him to prison, the deep struggles with addiction and alcohol that fueled his criminal behavior, and the life-changing lessons he learned during his time behind bars.He talks about the harsh consequences of his actions and the intense self-reflection that took place during his incarceration. Dion shares how his battle with addiction and alcohol added layers of complexity to his journey...2024-11-172h 03Get a Grip PodcastLocked Up At 18: The Dark Truth Behind Ohio Prison Gangs | Episode 15In this powerful episode, Aaron and Louis sit down with Chris, a man who has lived through some of the toughest trials life has to offer. Chris opens up about his troubled youth, his time in prison, and the struggles he faced navigating a world filled with gangs, drugs, and violence.At just a young age, Chris found himself caught up in a life of crime, which ultimately led him to a four-year sentence for robbery. But prison wasn't just a place of punishment; it became a turning point for Chris. In this raw and honest conversation...2024-11-081h 43Get a Grip PodcastAddicts Get Roasted: Comedian Talks Bombing, Early Days with Matt Rife | Episode 14In this episode Louis and Aaron sit down with Henry Allen who doesn’t hold back—roasting them throughout the interview! The conversation dives deep into the highs and lows of the comedy world, as the comedian shares hilarious and raw stories from their early days, including getting booed off stage and struggling to find their voice. They also talk about Henry working Matt Rife in his early days and the grind of making it in the industry. It's a candid and often funny look at comedy, addiction, and the power of laughter through life's toughest moments.🔔 Don’t forget...2024-10-271h 30Get a Grip PodcastParty Girl Shares Trauma and Reveals All | Episode 13In this deeply moving episode, Louis and Aaron sit down with Nikki Laughlin, a content creator with an incredible story of resilience, heartbreak, and healing. Nikki opens up about her childhood trauma, the devastating loss of a parent at a young age, and the lifelong journey of navigating mental health struggles.Through raw and honest storytelling, Nikki shares personal experiences from her family life, the challenges of feeling lost, and the fight to find her place in the world. Her journey is not just one of survival but of transformation—turning pain into purpose and using her vo...2024-10-271h 13Get a Grip PodcastAlcoholic Attorney Tells Tales of Defending Criminals While Getting DUI's | Episode 12In this compelling episode, Louis and Aaron sit down with Bethany, a dedicated public defender from Columbus, Ohio, who is not only fighting for justice in the courtroom but also fighting for her own recovery from alcoholism. Bethany’s story is one of resilience, redemption, and a deep commitment to helping those who have been cast aside by the legal system.With firsthand experience on both sides of the law—both as an attorney and as someone who has personally struggled with addiction—Bethany offers a rare and powerful perspective on how the system has evolved. She discus...2024-10-271h 09Get a Grip PodcastHe Scammed a Town In Alabama out of Two Million Dollars | Episode 11In this remarkable episode, Louis and Aaron sit down with Kyle Sandler, the man behind one of the most infamous scams in recent history. Featured on HBO’s Generation Hustle, Kyle conned an entire town in Alabama out of nearly two million dollars, building a web of deception that eventually unraveled and led him straight to federal prison.Kyle pulls back the curtain on his shocking journey from ambitious entrepreneur to convicted fraudster. He dives into the details of how he convinced an entire community to invest in a dream that never existed, the moment everything fell ap...2024-10-271h 28
Get a Grip PodcastFrom Cocaine to Clarity My Journey Through Hollywood’s Dark Side | Episode 10Jared Young sits down with Louis and Aaron for a raw and deeply personal conversation about his life, career, and transformation. Growing up with big dreams, Jared found himself working in Hollywood, surrounded by the glitz and glamour of the entertainment industry. But beneath the surface, he was battling an addiction to cocaine that threatened to consume everything he had worked for.Jared opens up about the dark realities of addiction—the highs, the lows, and the moments of desperation that eventually led him to seek a way out. His journey took an unexpected turn when faith en...2024-10-271h 10Get a Grip PodcastGrowing up in the Crack Epidemic and How He Landed 10 Years Straight In Prison | Episode 9In this powerful episode, Louis sits down one-on-one with Jay Groves to uncover a story of struggle, transformation, and perseverance. Jay opens up about his past, taking listeners through his childhood, family life, and the choices that led him down a path of legal trouble. After spending a combined decade behind bars, he found himself at a crossroads—continue down the same road or fight for something better.Jay’s time in prison was more than just a punishment; it became a turning point. He reflects on the challenges of incarceration, the lessons he learned, and the mind...2024-10-271h 10Get a Grip PodcastSmuggled Cocaine, Abused Meth, and Now I Help Others Heal | Episode 8In this powerful and eye-opening episode, Louis and Aaron sit down with Ashton S., a woman whose life story is a testament to resilience, redemption, and the power of using one’s experiences to help others. Ashton takes us through her time in active addiction, sharing the raw, often shocking details of her struggles, including smuggling drugs across the country and working as an exotic dancer. Her journey through addiction was not just a battle with substances, but with the very identity and choices that led her down a dangerous path.But Ashton’s story doesn’t stop a...2024-10-2757 minGet a Grip PodcastHow a Former Convict Did 5 Years in Prison by Trying to End it All | Episode 7In this deeply moving and powerful episode, Louis and Aaron sit down with Michael Justice, whose story is one of transformation, resilience, and the power of turning a life around against all odds. Michael opens up about the tumultuous years of his adolescence, where drugs, alcohol, and mental health struggles took a heavy toll on him, leading to destructive behaviors and life-altering consequences.One of the most harrowing moments of Michael's journey was his attempt to take his own life through a dangerous encounter with law enforcement, an event that ultimately led to a multi-year prison sentence...2024-10-2743 minGet a Grip PodcastHow I Defrauded Investors of Millions at 18 Years Old | Episode 6In this captivating episode, Ian Bick, host of the Locked In with Ian Bick Podcast, joins Aaron and Louis to share his remarkable story of crime, conviction, and transformation. Ian takes us back to his teenage years when his ambition led him to commit fraud on a grand scale, ultimately defrauding investors at his nightclub, Tuxedo Junction, in Connecticut. His actions resulted in a federal prison sentence, and his life was forever changed.Ian opens up about the risky decisions that led to his involvement in fraudulent schemes, the consequences that followed, and the emotional and personal...2024-10-2759 minGet a Grip PodcastThe Brutal Lifestyle of a Meth Addict and His Unique Crimes | Episode 5In this unforgettable episode, Brent King sits down with Louis and Aaron to share his wild and inspiring journey from addiction to recovery, filled with shocking, sometimes humorous, and deeply reflective moments. Brent opens up about his tumultuous battle with substance abuse, which led him down a dangerous path full of chaos and unexpected encounters.One of the most unbelievable stories he recounts involves walking in on his own SWAT raid—an experience that could have been the final wake-up call in his downward spiral. Despite the madness of his life at the time, this moment ultimately ma...2024-10-251h 12Get a Grip PodcastThe Juice Isn't Loose, Mass Murder, and Getting shot at | Episode 4Aaron and Louis discuss attempting to steal and getting shot at. Aaron confesses his obsession with mass murder documentaries and talk about how the juice is no longer loose.
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2024-10-2547 minGet a Grip PodcastGrand Theft Auto and Fishing For Skunks In Prison | Episode 3In this eye-opening episode, Louis and Aaron sit down with Tyler Baker, aka Vito Dinero, for an unforgettable conversation about his incredible transformation from a life of crime to a path of redemption. Tyler opens up about his turbulent childhood, the shocking realities of life behind bars, and how he ultimately turned his life around after years of making destructive choices.As the conversation unfolds, Tyler shares his first impressions of Louis, not as a fellow guest, but as a corrections officer. He talks about what it was like being an inmate and how his interactions with...2024-10-241h 02
Get a Grip PodcastHaldol and The Nursing Home and Mental Health Challenges in Sobriety | Episode 2In this raw and unfiltered episode, Aaron and Louis open up like never before, diving deep into some of their most personal and unexpected experiences. Aaron shares the harrowing story of being given Haldol, a powerful antipsychotic medication, and how it led to him being placed in a nursing home—a surreal and unsettling experience that left a lasting impact on his mental and emotional state.Louis takes a brave step in discussing one of the most difficult aspects of his journey—battling suicidal thoughts even in sobriety. Many assume that getting sober is the end of the...2024-10-2342 min
Get a Grip PodcastRapping with Chet Hanks and Failed Robberies | Episode 1In this explosive first episode, Aaron and Louis pull back the curtain on their lives and dive into the moments that shaped them—from how they first met to the absolute insanity of alcoholism that nearly destroyed them. Their raw and unfiltered storytelling brings to life the chaotic, hilarious, and sometimes terrifying experiences of addiction, recovery, and everything in between.They swap war stories from their using days, sharing the reckless decisions, near-misses, and moments of madness that only make sense to those who’ve lived through it. Whether it’s waking up in strange places, pushing their...2024-10-2250 min