In The Trenches

In The Trenches Episode 24 features a raw and powerful conversation with three guests—Charles, Fabian, and Scott—who share their journeys of surviving near-death experiences and finding the path to recovery. The episode centers on the concept of integrity, which Cary defines as "doing the right thing when no one’s looking," and explores how self-forgiveness is achieved by stopping the behaviors th...

In The Trenches Episode 23, hosted by Cary Quashen, features an emotional and educational deep dive into the mechanics of relapse, the role of dopamine in the brain, and the powerful theory of "Internal Contracts". Cary is joined by guests Lorraine, Joshua, and Pedro, who share their personal battles and current stages of recovery. Supported by Action Drug Rehab, the mission is to help individuals...

This Episode of In The Trenches features an emotional and raw look at the journey of recovery through the eyes of two fathers, Caesar and Ruben, who are fighting to reclaim their lives and families from the grip of addiction. Supported by Action Drug Rehab, the mission is to help individuals find rediscovered purpose and move beyond the "shadow person" of addiction. As Cary often reminds his audie...

In The Trenches Episode 21, hosted by Cary Quashen, features an insightful and raw conversation with two members of his own team at Action Drug Rehab: Dylan and Chris. This episode is a deep dive into the hosts' personal histories, the mechanics of successful treatment, and the evolving dangers of the modern drug landscape. Supported by Action Drug Rehab, the mission is to help individuals find re...

In The Trenches Episode 20 features returning guests James, Lorena, and Gesselle in a raw and emotional discussion about the modern drug crisis, the "shadow person" of addiction, and the redemptive power of recovery. Supported by Action Drug Rehab, the mission is to help individuals find rediscovered purpose and move beyond the "shadow person" of addiction. As Cary often reminds his audience, "Be...

In The Trenches Episode 19, hosted by Cay Quashen, takes a significant departure from the show's usual focus on addiction and mental health to present "Snake School." Cary, who has accidentally become known as the "snake wrangler of Santa Clarita" after a viral post, is joined by his son Scott to educate the community on snake safety and identification. Supported by Action Drug Rehab, the mission...

In The Trenches Episode 18 features a deeply inspiring look at youth boxing as a vehicle for mentorship, discipline, and building integrity. Cary is joined by Fernando Guerrero, a professional boxer and former national champion who now runs Guerrero Boxing in Santa Clarita, where he dedicates his time to training the next generation of athletes Supported by Action Drug Rehab, the mission is to hel...

In The Trenches Episode 17 focuses on the "thriving" stage of recovery, featuring returning guest Corey and new guest Aaliyah. The episode emphasizes that "we are as sick as our secrets" and that bringing those secrets to light is the first step toward healing. Supported by Action Drug Rehab, the mission is to help individuals find rediscovered purpose and move beyond the "shadow person" of addict...

In The Trenches Episode 16  focuses on the "miracles" and success stories of recovery, moving away from the "doom and gloom" of previous episodes to highlight how individuals can reclaim their lives. Cary is joined by two guests, Billy and Victor , who share their long journeys through addiction to their current states of sobriety. Supported by Action Drug Rehab, the mission is to help individuals...

In The Trenches Episode 15 focuses on the homelessness crisis in Santa Clarita and the critical importance of community partnerships in saving lives from overdoses. The episode features Nicole, the shelter manager for Bridge to Home, who discusses the organization's mission and its collaboration with Action Drug Rehab. Supported by Action Drug Rehab, the mission is to help individuals find redisco...

In The Trenches Episode 14 continues the podcast's mission of discussing "the things nobody wants to talk about," focusing on the modern fentanyl crisis, the reality of counterfeit pills, and the devastating physical consequences of alcoholism. Supported by Action Drug Rehab, the mission is to help individuals find rediscovered purpose and move beyond the "shadow person" of addiction. As Cary ofte...

In The Trenches Episode 13 continues the podcast's mission of discussing the "skeletons in the closet" and difficult topics surrounding addiction and mental health. Cary, who celebrated 45 years of sobriety on Christmas Eve, is joined by returning guest Jamie and new guests Matthew and Clint. Supported by Action Drug Rehab, the mission is to help individuals find rediscovered purpose and move beyo...

In The Trenches Episode 12 serves as a powerful continuation of the discussion on clinical depression and suicide, specifically following up on the high volume of listener feedback regarding Kevin story from a previous episode. Cary is joined by Kevin, a new guest named David, David’s mother Lydia, and Dan Broyles, a Care Pastor and licensed therapist from Valencia Hills Church. Supported by Actio...

In The Trenches Episode 11 features a raw discussion with three young guests—Denim, McKenzie, and Andrew—about the current drug landscape, the reality of "pressed" pills, and the hidden dangers of modern THC. Supported by Action Drug Rehab, the mission is to help individuals find rediscovered purpose and move beyond the "shadow person" of addiction. As Cary often reminds his audience, "Be the pers...

In The Trenches Episode 10 features a powerful and emotional exploration of clinical depression, suicide, and the "prisons" people create in their own minds. Returning guest Katrina, who provides a success update, and new guest Kevin, who shares a harrowing story of clinical death and a "miraculous" rescue. Supported by Action Drug Rehab, the mission is to help individuals find rediscovered purpos...

In the Trenches Episode 9  features a "very different" discussion focused on boxing as a tool for recovery, discipline, and purpose . The central guest is Fernando Guerrero , a former national champion and professional boxer who now runs Guerrero Boxing in Santa Clarita, where he mentors local youth to keep them out of trouble. Supported by Action Drug Rehab, the mission is to help individuals fin...

In the Trenches Episode 8 focuses on the "hidden secrets" of raising children in the modern era, specifically addressing the impact of social media, lack of parental involvement, and the challenges faced by educators. Cary is joined by three guests with deep roots in the Santa Clarita community: JC (Tracy), an Action counselor for 18 years who works with the Hart District; Jennifer, a primary scho...

Rabbi Mendy provides a unique philosophical perspective, suggesting that an addict is often the most sensitive and spiritual person in the room Supported by Action Drug Rehab, the mission is to help individuals find rediscovered purpose and move beyond the "shadow person" of addiction. As Cary often reminds his audience, "Be the person you want your child to grow up and be".

In the Trenches Episode 6 features a deeply emotional and unique conversation with Ellie Laks , the founder of The Gentle Barn . For this episode, Carrie shifts the format, stepping out of the primary interviewer role to be interviewed alongside Ellie by co-host Dylan . The episode explores the profound parallels between rescuing broken animals and rehabilitating broken people , centered on the id...

In The Trenches Episode 5 , hosted by Cary Quashen , continues its mission of uncovering the "secrets and skeletons in the closet" regarding addiction and mental health. Carrie, who celebrated 45 years (16,451 days) of sobriety on Christmas Eve, notes a staggering shift in statistics, stating that while addiction used to affect one in six Americans, current numbers suggest nearly one-third of the...

In The Trenches Episode 4, hosted by Cary Quashen and co-host Robbie Robinson, features a raw discussion on the modern drug crisis, the fallacy of "safe" experimentation, and the personal recovery stories of guests Less and Corey. Carrie, who celebrated 45 years of sobriety around the time of recording, uses this episode to address the "elephants in the room" regarding substance abuse and mental h...

In the Trenches Episode 3, hosted by Cary Quashen, features a discussion focused on the intersection of education, law enforcement, and parenting. Carrie is joined by two prominent community figures: Dr. Mike Vera, the Superintendent of the William S. Hart Union High School District, and Robbie Robinson, an Intervention Specialist for the Sheriff’s Department. Supported by Action Drug Rehab, the m...

In The Trenches Episode 2 features host Cary Quashen leading a discussion centered on gratitude, recovery, and the personal journeys of three guests: Katrina, Jack, and Dylan . Recorded shortly after Thanksgiving, the episode focuses on finding purpose after hitting "rock bottom" and the importance of maintaining sobriety through life’s trials. Supported by Action Drug Rehab, the mission is to hel...

In The Trenches Episode 1, hosted by Cary Quashen, was released on December 3, 2025, and features a deep dive into the modern drug crisis, specifically the dangers of fentanyl and counterfeit pills,. Carrie, who has been in treatment for over 40 years and clean for nearly 45, introduces the show (formerly called "The Real Deal") as a platform to discuss the harsh realities of addiction and mental...