In this episode of The Chop Shop, Frankie welcomes back Justin and Samantha, a married couple who found each other through Narcotics Anonymous. They dive deep into their shared journey of recovery, highlighting the balance between work, home, and personal growth. Justin and Samantha discuss how they support one another both as individuals and as a couple, attending meetings together and separately to maintain their progress in recovery.

They share the importance of giving back to others while being cautious not to let service overshadow their personal journeys. The couple also recounts the love story that brought them together, emphasizing the role of their higher power and practical expectations in navigating life’s challenges.

From integrating their families to dealing with anxiety and loss, they reflect on gratitude, accountability, and perseverance. Their inspiring story offers hope to listeners, showing how recovery can build not just resilience but also a strong and loving partnership.

In this episode, we welcome Matt B., whose journey is a testament to the power of resilience and hope. Born in Quebec, Canada and adopted by a family in Brooklyn, NY Matt always felt like he didn't fit in, leading to a lifelong struggle for acceptance.

Moving to New Jersey at 16, Matt's quest for identity led him down a path of alcohol and drug addiction. A dental procedure introduced him to painkillers, which fueled years of deceit and addiction. Despite hitting rock bottom and losing his job and marriage, Matt's turning point came with the support of his brother and a 12-step program.

Celebrating 12 years clean and sober, Matt shares his story of overcoming adversity, understanding his own inadequacies and finding a new way to live without the crutch of substances.

Join us as Matt offers hope and insight to those battling addiction.

In this heartfelt episode of The Recovery Circle, we invite you to join us as we delve into the inspiring journey of Mike P.

Growing up as the middle child of three boys, Mike’s childhood was filled with fond memories despite his timid and shy nature. At just 12 years old, Mike discovered a temporary escape from his social anxiety through marijuana and alcohol, marking the beginning of his battle with addiction.

Despite his struggles, Mike managed to graduate high school and showed promise as a two-sport athlete. However, a lack of commitment and self-worth led him to quit baseball, and a broken collarbone ended his football career. This injury also introduced him to the world of opiates, setting him on a dangerous path. After high school, Mike’s life spiraled into partying and substance abuse at the Jersey Shore, fueled by another injury that reignited his addiction to pain medication.

The grip of addiction tightened around Mike’s family, with both his older brother and mother suffering from the same disease. His darkest hour in active addiction came with his arrest, and the looming prospect of jail time spurred him to seek a recovery program. Initially still using, Mike heard a transformative message of hope at meetings that inspired him to envision a better life. With over 17 years of clean time, Mike has weathered some of the toughest storms life has to offer, including the loss of both parents and a painful divorce. Through it all, he leaned on his support network, utilized his recovery program, and deepened his relationship with his Higher Power.

Today, Mike stands as an example of hope and resilience. Surrounded by the love and support of his family and grounded by his relationship with the God of his understanding, Mike has found peace, forgiveness, and grace. He is dedicated to helping others on their recovery journey, sharing his story, and reminding us all of the power of honesty, service, and faith.

Tune in to this episode for an inspiring and uplifting conversation that will leave you with a renewed sense of hope and purpose. 🌟