*TRIGGER WARNING* This episode contains references to suicide. Listener discretion is advised.

Freddy Petrone wanted to die.

He was going blind. His body, following years of addiction to alcohol and hard drugs, began to fail him. He couldn't keep a job. No family member could get through to him.

Until one day, he finally made the commitment to himself that long eluded him.

From the West End of Portsmouth, Freddy joins ⁠host Troy Farkas⁠ to discuss how he flipped the switch, paving the path for him to form I Got Bridged, a Portsmouth nonprofit which seeks to bridge the gap for Seacoast residents in need. But before that - in vivid detail - he explains the lows he sunk to to feed his addiction, and how it nearly cost him everything.

To learn more about the I Got Bridged mission and how to volunteer, please visit ⁠IGotBridged.com. You can also watch Freddy's 2025 TedxPortsmouth talk here, or read this Portsmouth City Lifestyle magazine article about him.

If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, please call 988.

CHAPTERS:

• How bad Freddy's addiction got (00:00)
• When Freddy started going blind (18:42)
• SPONSORS: 3 Bridges Yoga & Budget Blinds of the Seacoast (27:00)
• Freddy's road to recovery (29:20)
• The inspiration behind I Got Bridged (38:35)
• How I Got Bridged helps save lives on the Seacoast (45:10)

SPONSORS:

• ⁠⁠3 Bridges Yoga⁠⁠: NEW yoga students can unlock a stellar deal of $45 for unlimited classes at the Seacoast's top yoga studio for a month! Visit ⁠⁠3BridgesYoga.com⁠⁠, select the "Seacoast Stories" special, and type in promo code SEACOASTSTORIES to activate the deal.
• Budget Blinds of the Seacoast⁠⁠

UPCOMING EVENTS:

• Seacoast Stories Dinner Club: Friday, February 6, in Newmarket, NH! ⁠Sign up here.⁠
• Seacoast Stories Dinner Club: Wednesday, February 18, in Portland, ME! ⁠Sign up here.⁠