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The Hopeaholics

Addicted to Hopethehopeaholics.com

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


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Episodes

Michael Chernow: The Ultimate Kreature of Habit | The Hopeaholics Podcast

Michael Chernow: The Ultimate Kreature of Habit | The Hopeaholics Podcast Join us on this powerful episode of The Hopeaholics Podcast as we welcome Michael Chernow—entrepreneur, restaurateur, wellness advocate, and founder of several successful ventures. Michael is the visionary behind The Meatball Shop, a creative chain redefining comfort food, Seamore’s, a sustainable seafood restaurant, and Kreatures of Habit, a lifestyle brand promoting healthier habits. Michael opens up about his journey fr...

Dec 03, 20242 hr 11 min

Dr. Elizabeth Zona: US Healthcare’s Struggle with Addiction | The Hopeaholics Podcast

Dr. Elizabeth Zona: US Healthcare’s Struggle with Addiction | The Hopeaholics Podcast In this enlightening episode of The Hopeaholics Podcast, we are joined by Dr. Elizabeth Zona—an anesthesiologist turned addiction medicine specialist. Dr. Zona shares her unique journey from managing airways in trauma centers to addressing the complex challenges of addiction recovery. Her story is one of transformation, resilience, and a deep commitment to making a difference in a field fraught with stigma. Dr....

Nov 29, 20242 hr 13 min

Christina Garafalo: The Empowerment of Rewording | The Hopeaholics Podcast

Christina Garafalo: The Empowerment of Rewording | The Hopeaholics Podcast In this raw and powerful episode of The Hopeaholics Podcast, we welcome Christina Garafalo to share her incredible journey from the depths of addiction to becoming a beacon of hope and advocacy. Christina’s story is one of resilience, transformation, and empowerment, and her candid recounting of her experiences will leave you inspired. Christina opens up about her early struggles with body image and self-esteem, which led...

Nov 26, 20241 hr 12 min

Lauren Shortt: Selling The Sobriety | The Hopeaholics Podcast

Lauren Shortt: Selling The Sobriety | The Hopeaholics Podcast In this compelling episode of The Hopeaholics Podcast, we sit down with Lauren Shortt, a real estate agent and former cast member of the hit reality TV show Selling The OC. Lauren opens up about her journey to sobriety, detailing how a pivotal moment during a blackout led her to reach out for help and start a life-changing path toward recovery. She shares insights into her family background, growing up with a mother who struggled with...

Nov 22, 20241 hr 36 min

The Reality of First Responders' Mental Health with Mark & Jeff | The Hopeaholics Podcast

The Reality of First Responders' Mental Health with Mark & Jeff | The Hopeaholics Podcast In this compelling episode of The Hopeaholics Podcast, we sit down with Mark and Jeff—two dedicated firefighters and advocates for change—to uncover the hidden struggles and triumphs of life as first responders. Mark and Jeff candidly discuss the harsh realities of their profession, from chronic understaffing and overwhelming workloads to the alarming rates of depression and suicide among firefighters. ...

Nov 19, 20241 hr 32 min

Mike McKim: There's No Right Way to Grief | The Hopeaholics Podcast

Mike McKim: There's No Right Way to Grief | The Hopeaholics Podcast In this powerful episode of The Hopeaholics Podcast, we’re joined by Mike McKim, the visionary behind Cuvee Coffee, one of Texas's most beloved coffee brands. Known for his innovative approach to coffee roasting, Mike shares the journey of building Cuvee from the ground up, focusing on quality and transparency in every cup. From setting industry standards to shaping the nitro cold brew market, Mike has built a brand that stands ...

Nov 15, 20243 hr 55 min

Nisha Patel: Mental Health Within Our Culture | The Hopeaholics Podcast #186

Nisha Patel: Mental Health Within Our Culture | The Hopeaholics Podcast #186 In this enlightening episode of The Hopeaholics Podcast, we welcome Nisha Patel, a dedicated licensed professional counselor and sober coach with a master’s degree in mental health counseling. Nisha is certified in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and hypnotherapy, and she brings a unique approach to therapy by incorporating her own personal development journey into her work with clients. With a deep belief in God, sh...

Nov 12, 20241 hr 18 min

Dr. Russell Surasky: The Book That Will Save Your LIFE | The Hopeaholics Podcast

Dr. Russell Surasky: The Book That Will Save Your LIFE | The Hopeaholics Podcast In this insightful episode of The Hopeaholics Podcast, we are joined by Dr. Russell Surasky, a distinguished neurologist and addiction medicine specialist, who sheds light on innovative approaches to treating opioid addiction. Dr. Surasky combines his expertise in neurology with groundbreaking addiction treatments, exploring how opioid addiction affects the brain and sharing his unique neurological methods for susta...

Nov 11, 20241 hr 41 min

Shontelle Suzett: Finding Sobriety in The Dark | The Hopeaholics Podcast

Shontelle Suzett: Finding Sobriety in The Dark | The Hopeaholics Podcast In this eye-opening episode of The Hopeaholics Podcast, we welcome Shontelle Suzett, a resilient woman who shares her journey through addiction and the heartbreaking challenges of her past. Facing both abuse and the difficult world of prostitution during her darkest times, Shontelle’s story is one of survival, strength, and transformation. Despite these painful experiences, she has remained committed to her sobriety, driven...

Nov 05, 20241 hr 15 min

JP Peña: "I DIED IN IRAQ" | The Hopeaholics Podcast

JP Peña: "I DIED IN IRAQ" | The Hopeaholics Podcast In this powerful and deeply moving episode of The Hopeaholics Podcast, we are joined by JP Peña, a Marine Corps veteran and accomplished real estate professional who shares his profound journey through the highs and lows of life, including his battles with alcoholism. From his early days as a Marine to becoming a leader in the real estate industry, JP opens up about the personal challenges that many veterans and professionals often face alone. ...

Nov 01, 20241 hr 22 min

Ethan Meyer: Abusing Substances at 8 yrs old | The Hopeaholics Podcast

Ethan Meyer: Abusing Substances at 8 yrs old | The Hopeaholics Podcast In this heartfelt and heavy episode of The Hopeaholics Podcast, we sit down with Ethan Meyer, a courageous 16-year-old who opens up about his journey through addiction and recovery. Growing up in the bustling city of Las Vegas, Ethan encountered substances at just 8 years old, leading him down a path of addiction fueled by loneliness. Despite his challenges, Ethan found hope and support in his mom and girlfriend, who played a...

Oct 29, 20241 hr 6 min

Buddy Lewis: The Discipine to Overcome Sin | The Hopeaholics Podcast

Buddy Lewis: The Discipine to Overcome Sin | The Hopeaholics Podcast In this episode, Buddy Lewis doesn't shy away from the raw and real details of his past. He recounts the moments when his life spiraled out of control, from his involvement in selling drugs to living through toxic relationships that only fueled his destructive behavior. Buddy’s battle with alcoholism, combined with the heavy burden of abuse, landed him in a dark place that ultimately led to his imprisonment. Caught with guns an...

Oct 25, 20241 hr 10 min

Avoiding Idle Hands with Webb Travis | The Hopeaholics Podcast

Avoiding Idle Hands with Webb Travis | The Hopeaholics Podcast In this episode of The Hopeaholics Podcast, Webb Travis, cofounder of TURF gym in Newport Beach, joins to discuss the relentless work ethic that helped him build a successful business in the fitness industry. Webb dives into his passion for fitness and how his dedication to excellence has shaped his professional journey. He also opens up about the deeply personal topic of addiction, sharing how it has impacted his family and shaped h...

Oct 22, 20241 hr 20 min

Natalie Radzwilla: Diagnosed with "UNALIVE" Disease | The Hopeaholics Podcast

Natalie Radzwilla: Diagnosed with "UNALIVE" Disease | The Hopeaholics Podcast In this episode of The Hopeaholics Podcast, Natalie Radzwilla, co-founder of Hook & Barrel Magazine, shares her remarkable journey of creating one of the country’s leading outdoor lifestyle publications. Natalie talks about the magazine’s inception and how she combined her love for outdoor adventures with her business acumen to build a platform that celebrates everything from hunting and fishing to fitness and styl...

Oct 18, 20241 hr 53 min

Conquering The Curse with Travis Carlson | The Hopeaholics Podcast

Conquering The Curse with Travis Carlson | The Hopeaholics Podcast In this episode of The Hopeaholics Podcast, Travis Carlson, a fitness and nutrition coach, shares his powerful story of transformation. Travis talks about his journey to becoming a firefighter and how he faced a close encounter with alcoholism. At a crucial moment in his life, he felt that God spoke to him, prompting him to make significant changes and shift his focus away from alcohol and towards healthier, more positive pursuit...

Oct 15, 20241 hr 25 min

Jo Weatherford: Losing Myself at Eleven | The Hopeaholics Podcast

Jo Weatherford: Losing Myself at Eleven | The Hopeaholics Podcast In this episode of The Hopeaholics Podcast, Jo Weatherford shares her inspiring journey from addiction to recovery. She opens up about how her feelings of emptiness began at the age of 11, which may have led her down a path of addiction. Once trapped in the Hollywood party scene, Jo overcame her struggles with drugs and alcohol and now dedicates her life to helping others break free from addiction. Jo also talks about her involvem...

Oct 11, 20241 hr 25 min

Karly DeFazio: Masking The Alcoholism | The Hopeaholics Podcast

Karly DeFazio: Masking The Alcoholism | The Hopeaholics Podcast In this episode of The Hopeaholics Podcast, Karly DeFazio opens up about her journey as a recovering alcoholic, recounting the challenges of growing up in an environment where alcohol was ever-present. Karly shares how those early experiences shaped her path and how she fought to reclaim her life through a structured routine that has helped her stay sober. Her story highlights the power of perseverance and the importance of building...

Oct 08, 20241 hr 17 min

Noel Arevalo: Always Wanting More | The Hopeaholics Podcast

Noel Arevalo: Always Wanting More | The Hopeaholics Podcast In this episode of The Hopeaholics Podcast, we are joined by fitness influencer and personal trainer Noel Arevalo, who opens up about her journey to sobriety from alcoholism and the challenges she faced growing up around addiction. Known for her success in the fitness world, Noel shares a deeply personal side of her story, revealing how her upbringing in an environment shaped by addiction influenced her own battles with substance abuse....

Oct 04, 20241 hr 36 min

Kevin Lanning: A Google Executive's Addiction | The Hopeaholics Podcast

Kevin Lanning: A Google Executive's Addiction | The Hopeaholics Podcast In this powerful episode of The Hopeaholics Podcast, we welcome Kevin Lanning, a former Google executive who opens up about his battle with addiction. Kevin shares the gripping story of how he rose to success in the corporate world, only to face personal struggles with substance abuse. Now years into sobriety, Kevin discusses his journey to recovery and how he has dedicated his life to helping others through his podcast, Ris...

Oct 01, 20241 hr 13 min

Abbey Fickley: Rehab or Losing My Daughter | The Hopeaholics Podcast

Abbey Fickley: Rehab or Losing My Daughter | The Hopeaholics Podcast In this episode of The Hopeaholics Podcast, we sit down with Abbey Fickley, a resilient mother who shares her powerful journey through addiction while juggling the responsibilities of being a single parent. Abbey opens up about the challenges she faced, the impact addiction had on her family, and how she fought to regain control of her life. Her story is one of perseverance, strength, and hope for anyone facing similar battles....

Sep 27, 20242 hr 20 min

Dillynn Lorenson: My Addiction Started at 16 | The Hopeaholics Podcast

Dillynn Lorenson: My Addiction Started at 16 | The Hopeaholics Podcast In this thought-provoking episode of The Hopeaholics Podcast, Dillynn Lorenson, an 18-year-old recovering addict, shares her brave story of overcoming addiction after enduring an abusive past. She speaks candidly about the pressure young people face today, the influence of trauma on addiction, and how it affected her family dynamics. Now living a sober life, Dillynn highlights the importance of breaking the silence and stigma...

Sep 24, 20241 hr 30 min

Ron Scolesdang: SENIOR CITIZENS FIGHT BACK | The Hopeaholics Podcast

Ron Scolesdang: SENIOR CITIZENS FIGHT BACK | The Hopeaholics Podcast In this exciting episode of The Hopeaholics Podcast, we are joined by Ron Scolesdang, world champion Muay Thai fighter and community leader. Ron opens up about his journey from a professional fighter to a nonprofit founder, and now, a political candidate for mayor of Irvine, California. He shares how his martial arts background has shaped his approach to leadership, teamwork, and overcoming adversity both in and out of the ring...

Sep 20, 20241 hr 16 min

Joshua Deen: Last Call, Stupid | The Hopeaholics Podcast

Joshua Deen: Last Call, Stupid | The Hopeaholics Podcast In this compelling episode of The Hopeaholics Podcast, we sit down with Joshua Deen, author of Last Call, Stupid, to explore his 25-year battle with alcoholism and his path to recovery. Joshua offers a raw and unfiltered look at the depths of addiction and the toll it took on his life. He opens up about the emotional and physical struggles he faced and how traditional recovery methods weren’t always the answer for him. Instead, Joshua shar...

Sep 17, 202451 min

Terra Newell: Surviving Dirty John | The Hopeaholics Podcast

Terra Newell: Surviving Dirty John | The Hopeaholics Podcast In this intense and captivating episode of The Hopeaholics Podcast, we welcome Terra Newell, the brave woman who survived a horrifying encounter with "Dirty John," the infamous conman John Meehan. Terra recounts the harrowing details of the day she was forced to fight for her life, ultimately killing John in self-defense to protect herself and her family from his dangerous schemes. She provides a deeper look into the events leading up ...

Sep 13, 20241 hr 16 min

Erik Rock: Hungry for SUCCESS | The Hopeaholics Podcast #168

Erik Rock: Hungry for SUCCESS | The Hopeaholics Podcast #168 In this gripping episode of The Hopeaholics Podcast, we sit down with Erik Rock, a content creator and coach who shares a powerful and raw story of his relentless hunger for success while battling a hidden addiction. Erik opens up about the dual life he led — one fueled by ambition and drive to succeed, and another consumed by addiction and the risky world of drug trafficking. Erik reveals the dark side of his journey, from secretly st...

Sep 10, 20241 hr 27 min

Farrah Abraham: Traumatized as a Teen Mom | The Hopeaholics Podcast

Farrah Abraham: Traumatized as a Teen Mom | The Hopeaholics Podcast In this powerful episode of The Hopeaholics Podcast, we welcome Farrah Abraham, a reality TV star, entrepreneur, and author, who has lived much of her life in the public eye. Farrah shares her journey of navigating teen pregnancy while starring on MTV's "16 and Pregnant" and "Teen Mom." She reflects on the intense scrutiny, judgment, and pressures of raising a child on reality TV and the impact this unique experience had on her ...

Sep 06, 20241 hr 43 min

Jagger Thom: The Only High You Need | The Hopeaholics Podcast

Jagger Thom: The Only High You Need | The Hopeaholics Podcast In this powerful episode of The Hopeaholics Podcast, we sit down with Jagger Thom, a courageous young man who is currently 20+ days sober. Jagger shares his compelling story of how his struggle with addiction began during his sophomore year of high school when he started hanging around the wrong crowd. The peer pressure and bad influences led him down a dark path that took years to overcome. Jagger speaks candidly about recognizing th...

Aug 23, 202448 min

Dr. Kelly Olson: Putting The Focus on Fentanyl | The Hopeaholics Podcast

Dr. Kelly Olson: Putting The Focus on Fentanyl | The Hopeaholics Podcast In this thought-provoking episode of The Hopeaholics Podcast, we are joined by Dr. Kelly Olson, a renowned neuroscientist and the Associate Director of Clinical Affairs at Millennium Health. Dr. Olson delves into her extensive work on addiction, sharing insights from the groundbreaking reports she has conducted with Millennium Health. With a rich background in molecular neuroscience, Dr. Olson has dedicated her career to un...

Aug 22, 20242 hr 7 min

Stevie Kuhn: Keeping The Young Sober | The Hopeaholics Podcast

Stevie Kuhn: Keeping The Young Sober | The Hopeaholics Podcast In this powerful episode of The Hopeaholics Podcast, we sit down with Stevie Kuhn, the inspiring CEO of 417 Recovery, a treatment center dedicated to helping adolescents and families navigate the challenges of substance abuse, co-occurring disorders, and mental health issues. Stevie shares her journey from being deeply involved in the recovery community to taking the bold step of opening her own treatment center. Stevie discusses the...

Aug 16, 20241 hr 35 min

Igniting Humanity w/ Marlene Quiroz | The Hopeaholics Podcast

Igniting Humanity w/ Marlene Quiroz | The Hopeaholics Podcast In this enlightening episode of The Hopeaholics Podcast, we welcome Marlene Quiroz, the founder of Igniting Humanity and a dynamic bilingual speaker known for her expertise in personal empowerment and wellness. With over 23 years of sales experience and a successful career as a licensed real estate agent in California, Marlene has dedicated her life to helping others achieve their personal and financial goals. Marlene shares her incre...

Aug 13, 202447 min
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