Shows
Get a Grip PodcastHow I Went From Prison to Parole Officer | Ep 105In this gripping episode, Aaron and Louis sit down with Mike Justice — a man whose life spiraled into chaos before he was even old enough to drive legally, and whose journey from destruction to transformation is nothing short of unbelievable.Mike opens up about getting his first DUI at just sixteen years old, the charges stacking up, and the early signs of a life already slipping out of control. He talks candidly about the passive suicidal thoughts that haunted him as a kid, thoughts that eventually escalated into a shocking moment where he attempted suicide by cop — an event that...
2025-11-271h 37
Get a Grip PodcastHow I Accidentally Got Addicted to F3tty and Lost Two Boyfriends Before I Hit 22 | Ep 104In this powerful episode, Louis and Aaron sit down with Kee Brown — a young woman whose life story moves at the speed of a disaster she somehow survived. From childhood struggles to back-to-back tragedies, Kee’s journey into f3ntanyl addiction is as raw and gripping as it gets.Kee starts strong, diving straight into the chaos of her upbringing and the early life experiences that shaped her. The conversation quickly takes a heartbreaking turn when she recounts watching her boyfriend get killed right in front of her — a trauma that sent her life spiraling into places she never imagin...
2025-11-241h 11
Get a Grip PodcastThe FBI on Her Lawn, Leukemia, and Relapse: A Survivor’s Raw Story of Alcoholism in the 80's & 90's | Ep 103In 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...
2025-11-2056 min
Get a Grip PodcastHow I Got Pregnant With Twins While I Was Cooking M3th | Ep 101Aaron 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...
2025-11-151h 18
Get a Grip PodcastHow I Got Addicted to F3nt4nyl At 30 Years Old | Ep 100In 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...
2025-11-131h 30
Get a Grip PodcastMy Truth: Exploiting Myself to Survive Addiction While Another Man Profited | Ep 99In 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 nin...
2025-11-101h 25
Get a Grip PodcastHow 4 DUIs and a Felony Forced Me to Change My Life | Ep 97In 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...
2025-11-061h 24
Get a Grip PodcastAddiction Unfiltered: Xanax DUIs, Pill Runs, and a Shot at Redemption Ep | 96In 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...
2025-11-031h 43
Get a Grip PodcastMy Battle with H3r0in, F3ntanyl & Methadone -- Trying to Stay Clean Ep | 95In 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 g...
2025-10-301h 22
Get a Grip PodcastI Drank & Used Everyday For 26 Years, Now I’m 15 Years Sober Ep | 94In 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 ti...
2025-10-271h 00
Get a Grip PodcastWhat This Former Addict Told Middle Schoolers Will Shock You | Ep 93In 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...
2025-10-2541 min
Get a Grip PodcastI Almost Died 3 Times During My 15-Year M3th & H3ro!n Addiction | Ep 92In 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...
2025-10-231h 41
Get a Grip PodcastI Smoked Cr4ck Until My Hands Bled — Now I Preach | Ep 91In 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 Br...
2025-10-2056 min
Get a Grip PodcastFrom Pregnant Teen to Addicted Stripper: Her Recovery Story | Ep 90In 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 star...
2025-10-161h 16
Get a Grip PodcastHeroin Withdrawal Triggered My Labor — And My Baby Was Born in Withdrawal | Ep 89In 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...
2025-10-131h 17
Get a Grip PodcastHow I Got Addicted to F3nt4nyl At 30 Years Old | Ep 100In 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, everyt...
2025-10-131h 30
Get a Grip PodcastHe was Locked Up Where I was a C.O - Now We Talk Prison Addiction & Surviving F3ntanyl | Ep 88In 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 availa...
2025-10-091h 54
Get a Grip PodcastHow I Hustled Scrap Metal, Got Robbed in a K-Hole, and Tried To Escape From Jail | Ep 87In 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...
2025-10-061h 43
Get a Grip PodcastCr4ck Addiction, Rubbing Alcohol, and Handing Mom Her Last Beer While She Fought Cirrhosis | Ep 86In 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 gran...
2025-10-021h 11
Get a Grip PodcastI Was Raised by a Cr4ck Addict After My Dad Disappeared | Ep 85In 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 instit...
2025-09-291h 09
Get a Grip PodcastMy Dad Taught Me How to Rip and Run in the Streets of Detroit | Ep 84In 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.Musi...
2025-09-251h 07
Get a Grip PodcastHow I Became an IV Drug User By 17 Years Old | Ep 83In 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 us...
2025-09-222h 24
Get a Grip PodcastI Lost an Arm and Became a Heroin Addict | Ep 82Join hosts Aaron and Louis for a gripping, no-holds-barred conversation with Travis Hall, a man whose life has been a rollercoaster of pain, survival, and hard-won redemption. Travis grew up in a tough environment where trouble seemed to lurk around every corner. From the very first time he smoked weed, he says he felt like a “junkie,” instantly hooked on chasing the next high and the escape it offered. What began as a teenage experiment quickly became an all-consuming way of life.Then came the accident that would change everything. A devastating ATV crash left Travis fighting for his life...
2025-09-181h 14
Get a Grip PodcastI Graduated from Ohio's #1 Party School with a Degree… and a Drug & Alcohol Problem | Ep 81In this inspiring solo episode, host Louis sits down with Chrissie Mackie, whose life took a dramatic turn from small-town band nerd to full-blown battle with the bottle.Chrissie grew up in a loving, ordinary household and spent her school years immersed in music, proudly embracing her “band nerd” identity. But when she left for college, everything shifted. What began as casual drinking to fit in soon became an all-out war with alcohol—nights blurred by blackouts, bar fights, and a relentless spiral she couldn’t escape.The heartbreak deepened when Chrissie’s mother passed away from...
2025-09-151h 29
Get a Grip PodcastShe Was Smoking Cr4ck & F3tty While Working as a Drug Counselor At A Recovery Center | Ep 80In this moving episode, hosts Louis and Aaron sit down with Ashley Arick, whose story shows both the devastating grip of addiction and the incredible power of redemption.Ashley grew up with a decent upbringing, surrounded by the kind of support and stability many would think could keep her safe. But even with that foundation, her life took a sharp turn into chaos. What should have been a normal path forward instead became a nightmare as drugs and alcohol consumed her world.After years of battling addiction, Ashley fought her way into sobriety. She not only got...
2025-09-111h 51
Get a Grip PodcastHow the Chains of Xanax Addiction Changed My Life Forever | Ep 80In this gripping episode, hosts Louis and Aaron sit down with Lindsay Wren, whose life reads like the script of a crime thriller—but every word of it is real.Lindsay’s journey into addiction began with methadone, but things quickly escalated. After overdosing, she found herself pulled deeper into chaos, turning to crack cocaine. That choice eventually put her in the middle of a major drug bust, and her life spun further out of control. When she discovered dilaudid, she made the switch to shooting it—pushing her further into a lifestyle of risk and desperation.At one...
2025-09-081h 48
Get a Grip PodcastSurviving Addiction, Prison & Poverty in Zanesville, Ohio | Ep 79In this raw and gripping episode, hosts Louis and Aaron sit down with Brandon Somers, a man whose life has been defined by chaos, crime, and destruction—until recently. Born and raised in Zanesville, Ohio, Brandon never knew a life without crime. From an early age, the streets shaped him, and breaking the law became second nature.What started as trouble in his youth turned into a full-blown cycle of crime and addiction. Brandon’s rap sheet is long—so many different crimes that he lost count along the way. By the time most people were building their futures, Brando...
2025-09-041h 11
Get a Grip PodcastI Turned To Crack After My Son Got Killed By a Drunk Driver | Ep 78In this explosive episode, hosts Louis and Aaron sit down with Harry Paige, whose story could easily be the script of a dark Hollywood drama. On paper, Harry had everything he needed. Growing up with two sisters in a stable, loving family, he never went without—food on the table, a roof over his head, and parents who cared. But what looked like a safe childhood quickly gave way to a world of danger and destruction.Introduced to drugs at a young age, Harry’s path started with curiosity but rapidly turned into something far darker. When Harry lost his...
2025-09-011h 13
Get a Grip PodcastI Was Addicted to Heroin Before I Graduated High School | Ep 77In this powerful episode, hosts Louis and Aaron sit down with Bryce Sparks, a man whose life could have been the script of a tragedy—but instead turned into a story of resilience, redemption, and hope.Bryce’s upbringing was anything but easy. From a young age, he carried pain and struggles that no child should have to endure. By the time most kids were thinking about prom or graduation, Bryce was already deep in the grip of heroin addiction. What started as a way to escape his circumstances quickly grew into a monster that controlled his every move. When...
2025-08-2859 min
Get a Grip PodcastHow I Survived Over 20 Years Of IV Drug Use And 4 Prison Stays | Ep 76In this powerful episode, hosts Louis and Aaron sit down with Bryan Sparks, a man whose story feels like it could have been pulled straight from a tragic movie—but with an ending filled with hope and redemption.Bryan’s life took a dark turn at just 13 years old when he faced a trauma no child should ever have to endure: finding his best friend dead from an overdose. That heartbreaking moment set the tone for years of chaos, pain, and survival. From there, Bryan’s journey spiraled into a life consumed by drugs, crime, and broken trust. His addict...
2025-08-251h 42
Get a Grip PodcastFrom 13-Year-Old Trailer Park Dealer to Using Every Drug Imaginable to How I Recovered | Ep 75In this powerful episode, hosts Louis and Aaron sit down with Devin Nunamaker, a man whose story takes us deep into the chaos of early addiction and the hope of true recovery. Devin was first introduced to drugs at just 12 years old, starting with what seemed harmless but quickly spiraling out of control. By 13, he was already using heroin—an unimaginable reality for someone barely entering their teenage years.From that point on, Devin’s life became a blur of institutions, jail cells, and near-death experiences. He spent years wondering what was wrong with him, trying to figu...
2025-08-211h 33
Get a Grip PodcastI Got Arrested In Front Of My Whole Town With 50 Bags Of Hero!n and Became Walmarts Most Wanted | Ep 74Step up to the plate for a powerful and raw conversation with hosts Aaron and Louis as they sit down with Brent King, a former all-star ball player whose life took a turn no one expected. Brent grew up with talent, discipline, and a future full of promise on the field—but behind the glory, darkness was waiting. At just 13 years old, he slipped into the grip of opiates, a choice that would alter the trajectory of his entire life.It wasn’t long before Brent’s addiction pulled him into the streets, and his world changed forever. He experi...
2025-08-181h 38
Get a Grip PodcastMy Brutal Truth Of Opiate Addiction And How Hard It Really Is To Get Clean | Ep 73In this unfiltered and fast-moving episode, hosts Louis and Aaron sit down with Amanda Bosley, a woman whose story is a wild ride through survival, struggle, and ultimate redemption. Amanda grew up caught between chaos at home and the hard realities of life on the streets, where every day felt like a gamble. She learned quickly how to navigate danger, adapt to unpredictable situations, and keep going when most would have given up.Her journey took a darker turn when she fell into the grip of opiates. The high quickly became a prison, and when Amanda realized she couldn’t...
2025-08-142h 16
Get a Grip PodcastHow He Went From Pawning, Forging Checks, to Scamming John Deere For 50k to Fuel His Oxy Addiction | Ep 72In this electrifying episode, Aaron and Louis sit down with Ben Sheets—a man whose life has been anything but ordinary. Ben grew up in an affluent neighborhood, the picture-perfect student-athlete with a bright future ahead. But behind the trophies and the smiles, trouble was brewing.It started innocently enough—just weed and alcohol at first—but Ben’s thirst for the next high quickly escalated to opiates. Before long, he was stealing from the very people who loved and trusted him, burning bridges and burying himself deeper in addiction’s grip.Then came the day that should have ended it a...
2025-08-111h 45
Get a Grip PodcastHe Was Exposed to Drugs by 6, Then Survived Addiction, Crime, and Prison | Ep 71In one of the rawest and most jaw-dropping episodes to date, Louis sits down with Patrick McCombs—a man whose life began in chaos and spiraled into the darkest corners of addiction, crime, and prison politics.By the age of six, Patrick had already been exposed to sex and drugs—thrust into a world no child should ever experience. With no real sense of safety or guidance, he grew up fast and hard. What followed was a storm of street life, robberies, and eventually time behind bars. But prison wasn’t just about doing time—for Patrick, it became a danger...
2025-08-071h 03
Get a Grip PodcastFrom the Sticks to Hittin' Licks — How He Lost Everything to Oxy And H | Ep 70In this raw and revealing episode, Aaron and Louis sit down with Tony Newton—a man whose journey into addiction started in the quiet backwoods but spiraled into chaos that took him to the brink of destruction. Tony grew up in a decent, hardworking family in the sticks, with no early signs that he’d one day become trapped in a cycle of addiction, crime, and incarceration. But when Oxycontin entered his life, everything changed.What began as casual use quickly turned into full-blown dependency. Tony talks about how the pills stopped working and how that...
2025-08-041h 53
Get a Grip PodcastI Was Born From Sexual Assault and This is the Toll it Took on my Life | Ep 70In this deeply moving and thought-provoking episode, Louis and Aaron sit down with the extraordinary Melroe—a woman with a story unlike any other. Born into trauma and chaos, Melroe opens up about her earliest memories of pain, confusion, and the challenges of growing up in an environment that left deep emotional and spiritual scars. She shares how her traumatic childhood shaped not only her survival instincts but also her entire worldview.Melroe doesn’t just reflect on the past—she explains how those early life experiences unlocked something powerful within her. Now a practicing psychic, she uses her gift t...
2025-07-311h 46
Get a Grip PodcastMy Wife was Murdered Dexter Kill Room Style and This is How I Stayed Sober | Ep 69In this powerful and deeply moving episode, Aaron and Louis sit down with a true legend of the Cleveland recovery community—Don Matis Jr.. Known throughout the city and beyond as a living example of resilience, wisdom, and raw honesty, Don’s story is unlike anything you’ve heard before.Don’s journey into addiction began shockingly early—at just 10 years old, he was already snorting glue, unknowingly stepping onto a path that would wind through the darkest corners of the Cleveland drug scene for decades. From the gritty streets of the Midwest to far-off corners of the world...
2025-07-281h 52
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 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 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 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 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 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