The Hope Shot - Recovery Podcast

In this episode, Matt opens up about his path from chaos to clarity, sharing how he found peace, strength, and purpose along the way. His story is raw, honest, and full of hope — a reminder that even in our darkest moments, growth and connection are possible. Join us as Matt shows what it means to live authentically, embrace the ups and downs, and keep moving forward one day at a time.

In this episode Justin, Christina, Nathan, and guest Ito get real about the different seasons we all walk through. Seasons of loss, change, complacency, and growth. From the weight of grief to the struggle of self discipline, from wrestling with faith to finding courage in action, each story shared reminds us that life’s toughest moments often carry the greatest lessons. Together they talk about w...

Trish shares her powerful journey through loss, grief, and addiction to finding the gift of desperation that opened the door to hope. Her story shows how even in our darkest moments, we can discover purpose, healing, and connection. Join Justin, Christina, and the crew for an inspiring conversation about turning pain into growth and finding intimacy through true connection. To find out more about...

Deeply Connected takes you inside the real, unfiltered conversations about intimacy, connection, and the courage it takes to truly be seen. In this episode, the hosts share personal stories, laughter, and hard truths about what intimacy really means—beyond the common misconceptions. From the vulnerability of sharing a quiet moment with a partner, to the bonds formed in friendship and recovery, the...

In this episode, Justin, Nathan, Cesar, and Christina explore the truth that real joy doesn’t come from material things—it comes from within. They share raw, personal reflections on chasing happiness through stuff, only to find that what truly fills us is connection, service, and growth. Join us on this powerful journey as we unpack what it means to live a life full of purpose and inner peace. To...

Justin and Melissa from Sober Now break down what it really means to win, even when life throws losses our way. In this soul-stirring episode, they explore how shifting our perspective turns every L into a lesson, and every lesson into a W. They also dive into how unchecked ego can flip the script, taking us from rising to falling fast. Join us for a raw and real journey through humility, growth,...

Join us in this powerful episode as Danielle shares her inspiring journey through adversity, addiction, and ultimately, triumph. She opens up authentically about the struggles that once defined her life, the turning points that led to healing, and the passion she discovered in helping others reclaim their lives. Danielle's story is a testament to courage, hope, and the  power of recovery. Listen i...

In this powerful episode, we sit down with Kenzie, who shares her incredible journey from addiction and despair to hope and recovery. Almost 6 years clean, Kenzie reflects on her tumultuous past—growing up in a household of addiction, starting her own battle with substances at just nine years old, and enduring cycles of abuse, incarceration, and homelessness. Kenzie doesn’t just focus on the strug...

In this episode, hosts Justin, Nathan, and Cesar dive into the powerful journey of finding faith in recovery, discussing what it truly means to 'come to believe.' They share personal experiences and insights on how belief in something greater—whether spiritual, communal, or personal—plays a vital role in overcoming addiction and maintaining sobriety. Together, they explore how trust, hope, and bel...

In this episode, hosts Justin, Nathan, Cesar, and Kellie talk about the recent Recovery Walk and how it showed the power of coming together as a community. They share how people from all different backgrounds joined forces to support one another, proving that we're stronger when we work together for a common goal. Tune in as they share stories, experiences, and simple ways we can all help build a...

Join hosts Justin, Nathan, and Cesar, along with special guest Melissa from Sober Now, as they explore the powerful notion that "pride comes before the fall." In this episode, the group delves into the dangers of letting ego and overconfidence take the reins in recovery. They share personal stories, professional insights, and practical strategies for recognizing and managing pride before it leads...

In this episode, hosts Justin and Nathan sit down with special guest Matt to dive deep into the topic of avoidance and its impact on the recovery journey. They discuss the ways avoidance can hinder progress, the fears and insecurities that fuel it, and practical strategies for confronting and overcoming this common challenge. Whether you're in recovery yourself or supporting someone who is, this c...

In this episode of The Hope Shot, join hosts Justin McPadden, Nathan, and Cesar as they jump into the topic of recovery through the lens of life's ever-changing seasons. Our special guest, Big Steve, shares his take on of perseverance and growth, offering unique insights into navigating the highs and lows of recovery. From the challenges of the darkest days to the rejuvenation found in success in...

Join us in this episode as Justin, Nathan, and Cesar go deep into the topic about finding the spark in recovery. Discover how to reignite your passion and purpose while navigating the path to sobriety. We share personal stories, practical tips, and inspirational insights that will help you rekindle your inner fire and stay motivated in your recovery journey. Whether you're in early recovery or hav...

Join us in this episode as Justin, Nathan, Cesar, and our special guest Matt explore the significant "firsts" in their recovery journeys. From the first sober holiday to the first time sharing their stories publicly, each milestone represents a powerful step towards a new life. Listen in as they share personal challenges, and triumphs, offering hope and inspiration to those navigating their own pa...

In this episode, join Justin, Nathan, and Cesar as they share about the profound topic of forgiveness and its impact on personal recovery. Often misunderstood as an act meant for others, forgiveness is revealed as a crucial step towards self-healing and inner peace. The trio shares personal stories, insights, and practical advice on how to embrace forgiveness as a powerful tool in the journey to r...

In this episode, Justin, Nathan, and Cesar dive deep into the theme of "Identity Crisis." Together, they explore the challenging process of finding one's true identity in recovery. The trio shares personal insights and experiences, revealing how addiction created a false sense of self and shaped their beliefs about who they were. Join them as they discuss the painful yet liberating journey of givi...

On this episode, hosts Justin, Cesar, and Nathan jump into a critical topic that many in recovery face: how the very blessings we gain in recovery can become burdens if we're not careful. As we rebuild our lives and start acquiring new things, we often find ourselves distracted from the one thing that brought us those blessings in the first place – our recovery. Join us as we discuss the challenge...

In this episode hosts Justin, Nathan, and Cesar share their personal journeys of navigating recovery while overcoming the lingering defenses from their past lives. They explore how, during their using days, they developed survival skills to adapt to dangerous and hostile environments. These defenses, initially necessary for survival, often followed them into early recovery, making everything seem...

In this episode, we explore how the lies we tell ourselves—rooted in limiting and destructive belief systems—can be the biggest obstacles to recovery and personal growth. We'll discuss how recovery provides the unique opportunity to identify these lies and begin rewriting the narrative we live by. From confronting deep-seated myths about our worth and capabilities to embracing new, empowering trut...

In this week's episode, hosts Justin, Cesar, and Nathan are joined by special guest Rachael for a no-holds-barred discussion on "The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly of Recovery." Together, they share their personal experiences, offering an unfiltered glimpse into the realness of the recovery journey. From the triumphs of sobriety to the tough realities of relapse and societal stigmas, this episode doe...

In this episode of "Buffet Style Spirituality," hosts Justin, Cesar, and Nathan dive deep into the concept of keeping an open mind to various sources of recovery. They explore the foundational principles of H.O.W.—honesty, open-mindedness, and willingness—and challenge listeners to consider how broadly they apply these tenets in their lives. Join the trio as they discuss the importance of drawing...

In this episode, host Justin sits down with Mary Beth, whose video has reached hundreds of thousands through a viral TikTok video . This video  shows her emotional reunion with her daughter after Mary Beth's release from federal prison. Mary Beth shares the details of her past, including arrests, trafficking drugs and a shooting of her baby daddy that all led to her incarceration. Tune in as she r...

In this episode of "Life Unscripted," hosts Justin, Nathan, Cesar, and guest Melissa explore the theme of building success from scratch. They share their personal recovery of overcoming obstacles and turning challenges into opportunities. Each narrative emphasizes the journey from nothing to something, underscoring resilience, creativity, and the importance of support networks. Melissa from Sober-...

In this episode, we explore the impact of choice in the journey of recovery with Justin, Nathan, and Cesar. This episode dives into the critical role that personal decisions play in the path toward healing and empowerment.  Justin, celebrating six years of recovery, offers an intimate look into his journey, revealing the power of the daily commitment to making choices that support growth. Nathan a...