Breakfast of Choices

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What if your first clean promise wasn’t about recovery at all—but about honoring a dream you made as a kid? Host Jo Summers sits down with rapper and recovery advocate, artist Skyler Ray Davis to trace a life that started with abandonment at nine, spiraled into homelessness, meth, and dealing on the same eight Portland blocks, and then pivoted in a prison bunk with a simple commitment: get clean for music, then build a life worth staying clean for.

Skyler opens up about the root wound that drove him—people...

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What if the opposite of addiction isn’t willpower, but connection? Tony sits with Host, Jo Summers and opens a life shaped by early chaos, a family history of both addiction and recovery, and a relentless hunt for validation that slid from weed and alcohol to K2, meth, and eventually heroin. He names the seductive lie of that first meth high—how it felt like confidence and kindness—and the spiral that followed: expulsions, arrests, couch surfing, and a fentanyl overdose that landed him in ICU, across the hall from his grandmother. Call it God...

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What does it really take to break a cycle that’s been running your family for generations? Host Jo Summers sits down with Aurora Nicholson for a raw, clear-eyed look at what survival taught her—and what healing required. From childhood abuse and a maze of foster placements to self-harm, addiction, and homelessness, Aurora doesn’t flinch from the truth. She also doesn’t stop there. Step by step, she shows how sobriety, boundaries, and steady practice turned a life of chaos into a home with peace and a business with purpose.

Auro...

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What happens when trauma remains unspoken for nearly two decades? In this raw, powerful conversation, Greg Van Ness shares his journey from military service to finding purpose as Program Director at Oklahoma State University's Center for Social Innovation.

Greg candidly reveals the aftermath of an assault during his Air Force service—an event he kept secret for 18 years. The consequences were devastating: anger issues, hypervigilance, depression, and suicidal ideation that threatened to consume him. His story illuminates the particular challenges male assault survivors face in military environments, where such experiences are of...

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"I'm the guy who sat across the room from you in a trap house with no running water and electricity, with a bottle of vodka in one hand and a shot of dope in the other."

These powerful opening words from Wasi Syed set the stage for one of the most compelling addiction-to-recovery stories you'll want to hear. From a very comfortable middle-class upbringing to corporate success with a six-figure income, beautiful family, and luxury cars, Wasi's life appeared to exemplify the American Dream. But beneath the surface, addiction was quietly...

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What happens when a homeschooled naive kid with a strict religious upbringing spirals into addiction, then discovers his life's purpose through comedy?

 Adrian Doell's remarkable journey takes us from the depths of alcoholism to the healing power of laughter in recovery.

Adrian's story begins with generational trauma—a mother who lost both parents young and a father raised in an abusive orphanage. After being kicked out at 19, Adrian's life quickly unraveled. Within a year of trying alcohol, he was experimenting with meth and other substances. Even becoming an EMT and...

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The road to recovery is rarely a straight line. In this intimate conversation with Drew Reyes, now approaching his one-year sobriety date, we dive deeper into what sustainable recovery actually looks like day-to-day.

After sharing his powerful testimony of addiction and homelessness in our previous episode, Drew returns to discuss his recent move to a sober living house and the game-changing power of community in recovery. "Isolation is not the goal," Drew explains, revealing how living with others who share his commitment to sobriety provides the accountability and brotherhood he needs...

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Andrew Reyes takes us on an unforgettable journey from childhood trauma to spiritual awakening on this deeply moving episode. Raised in a fractured home environment that stripped away his innocence early, Drew found temporary escape through breakdancing before substance use gradually took hold.

As we follow Drew's path, he candidly reveals how party drugs escalated to heroin addiction, leading to homelessness and a harrowing period on Los Angeles' infamous Skid Row. "It's like jail, but in the free world," he explains, painting a vivid picture of street life while battling addiction...

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What does it take to rebuild your life after addiction leads to criminal charges and prison time? Christine Palladino's remarkable journey from gambling addiction to purpose offers a raw, unflinching look at transformation through accountability.

When investigators confronted Christine about missing funds from the fire department where she volunteered as treasurer, she felt an unexpected twinge of relief. After years of hiding her gambling addiction, the weight of secrecy was crushing her. That pivotal moment sparked her decision to take complete accountability – a choice that would transform her life.

Ch...

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The gambling industry spends billions convincing us their product is harmless entertainment, but Christine Paladino's real and raw journey reveals a different truth. From innocent childhood bingo halls to high-stakes casino floors, her evolution from casual player to compulsive gambler unfolds with painful clarity and remarkable self-awareness.

Christine's story begins with those seemingly innocent early exposures – grandma's lottery numbers in a glass jar, family "baby pools" betting on newborn characteristics, and trips to the racetrack as cherished family outings. These formative experiences normalized gambling as simply another form of entertainment, planting se...

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What if everything you've been told about addiction recovery is missing the point? 

Jason Shiers' story begins with profound loss – his father killed when Jason was still a child, followed by a descent into addiction that started with food at age 5 and progressed to heroin by 13. By 15, he was in psychiatric care. What followed were decades of prisons, institutions, homelessness, and eventually, a 22-year journey in traditional recovery that left him maintaining sobriety while still feeling fundamentally broken and empty inside.

Despite becoming a highly-credentialed psychotherapist with an impressive lis...

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What happens when your child's experimentation with substances spirals into a 15-year battle with addiction? How do you navigate the impossible choices between tough love and enabling? And most importantly, how do you maintain your own sanity through the chaos?

Paul King, host of "Family Support in Addiction Recovery," takes us through his real life journey supporting his daughter from her early teenage drinking through heroin addiction, multiple overdoses, and beyond. With raw honesty, Paul recounts the moment he found himself chasing his 15-year-old daughter down the street with a golf...

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What happens when life as you know it vanishes in an instant? When a split-second collision on a motorcycle steals your sight, breaks your body from head to toe, and erases a month of your memories?

Kijuan "Kiwi" Amey's powerful story begins on May 5th, 2017 – a day that would become what he calls "my new life story." A military veteran working as an in-flight refueling specialist, college student with a near-perfect GPA, and small business owner, Kiwi's world changed forever when a driver pulled out in front of his motorcycle. After a...

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Mike Fox's gripping journey from childhood trauma to HIV diagnosis to nonprofit leader offers a testament to the transformative power of purpose. Diagnosed with HIV in 1994 when it was still considered a death sentence, Mike initially spiraled deeper into substance abuse—a path that led to multiple prison sentences and nearly cost him everything. His story reveals how trauma, addiction, and infectious disease can intertwine in devastating ways.

The conversation takes us through Mike's evolution from hiding his diagnosis to becoming a powerful advocate who proudly declares, "I'm grateful to be HI...

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Part 2 of David's Journey- From losing custody of his baby to finding lasting recovery, David's story is a testament to the power of honest surrender and treatment. When DHS intervened after years of meth addiction, David faced a life-changing choice – continue hiding his substance use or seek comprehensive help. His decision to pursue treatment in California completely transformed his path.

Though expecting to remain with his partner Brittany throughout rehab, their separation became an unexpected blessing. David immersed himself in recovery, finding a sponsor who guided him through the 12 steps and em...

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David Levi's life story reads like a road map through the shadowy terrain of addiction and the uphill climb back to recovery. A proud member of the Cheyenne and Arapaho tribes, David grew up in western Oklahoma surrounded by the wide-open spaces and close-knit community of reservation life. Though his childhood was relatively sheltered from substance abuse within his immediate family, the community around him struggled with addiction's grip.

The death of his father in 2009 marked a devastating turning point. Losing his "superhero" sent David spiraling into increasingly dangerous territory as...

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From the depths of addiction to the heights of recovery, discovering the role families play in this journey can change everything. In our latest podcast episode, Host Jo Summers welcomed the inspiring Kate Duffy, Founder of Tipping Point Recovery, an Interventionist and Family Addiction Expert and The Author of "Dear Family," A proven real-world approach to helping the addicted find lasting recovery. Kate is incredibly inspiring as she shares her own transformation from addiction and the numerous challenges that came with it. Kate passionately discusses the deep connection between addiction and family dynamics...

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What happens when the thrill of the game becomes an all-consuming escape? Journey with us as we unravel the compelling story of Gail Fraser, a courageous and inspiring woman who bravely bares her soul and recounts her tumultuous battle with gambling addiction. Gail's story is one of heartbreak and resilience; and the fight to reclaim her life. She lost a long-standing marriage, a thriving career, and the comfort of her community to the seductive grip of online gambling. Raised in an environment where addiction loomed, she knew she was playing with fire but...

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Craig Akey, owner of Empire Tattoos in Oklahoma City, has lived a life that could easily be the plot of a riveting drama. Raised amidst the chaos of his father's drug dealing world, Craig found a guiding light in the powerful women around him, especially his grandmother. Overcoming addiction and crime, Craig's story is one of redemption, set against the backdrop of a newly legalized tattoo industry in Oklahoma. Discover the pivotal moments of his life—like the birth of his first child—that inspired him to break free from his past and beco...

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What if your greatest battles could become your most powerful stories of transformation? Join us as we explore Matt House's remarkable journey from Longview, Texas, through the depths of addiction, and into a life of recovery and renewal. Raised by a hardworking mother and seeking acceptance from the wrong circles, Matt candidly shares how the social environment, rather than the substances themselves, pulled him into a destructive path. His narrative offers an unflinching look at the emotional turmoil and legal troubles that accompanied his addiction, providing invaluable insights for anyone facing similar challenges.<...

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I'm thrilled to share the wrap-up of the incredible first season of Breakfast of Choices. This season has been a transformative journey, not only for me but for all of our listeners who have joined us along the way. I am truly grateful for the outpouring of support, engagement, and trust that you have all shown.

Throughout this season, I’ve had the honor of welcoming an incredible lineup of guests who have bravely shared their personal stories and journeys. Each guest has reminded us that recovery and healing is possible an...

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Welcome to another episode of Breakfast of Choices. Today, I have Guest Anneli Johansson, who is a Strategic Life Coach who chooses to see life on the bright side. From a childhood marked by her mother's struggles with mental health and attempted suicide, to finding her own inner strength and resilience, Anneli's story encourages us all to live a happier life.

Anneli shares how she learned to navigate the challenges of her upbringing, often feeling like she had to be the "mom" to her own mother. This led her to become...

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On this episode of Breakfast of Choices, I was honored to welcome Guest, Brian Paul, the President and Founder of Veterans for Life USA, to share his inspiring story with us. Brian founded Veterans for Life USA with the mission of providing purpose and connection to therapy for veterans and first responders struggling with mental health and substance abuse issues. 7 1/2 years later, they have been able to bring over 70 veterans and first responders into treatment without any suicides. His own diverse background, including being in the Army National Guard, 45th Infantry, an EMT...

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Welcome to another episode of Breakfast of Choices. Today, I'm honored to be joined by my guest, Diane McNaught. Diane and I connected on Facebook, and I'm excited to have her here to share her journey with us. As we dive into her story, she opens up about her childhood experiences, including growing up with a father who struggled with alcoholism. Diane also shares the emotional detachment she felt from her mother, which left her feeling alone. Despite these challenges, Diane proactively sought help through Al-Anon meetings in her 20s, demonstrating her resilience...

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Welcome back to another episode of Breakfast of Choices. Today, I have guest, Tina Curtis. Tina has an incredible story to share with us - one of overcoming a really tough childhood in the foster care system to finding her way to healing and a fulfilling life.

Tina opens up about the trauma she experienced, feeling like no one was there to protect her or believe her when she tried to speak up about her abuse. We talk about the complexities of love and addiction in her family, and how important...

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On today’s episode of Breakfast of Choices, I have Guest, Angie Gerber, who shares her powerful story of transforming from rock bottom to rock solid. Angie opened up about her struggles with alcoholism, the shame and isolation she experienced, and the turning point that led her to seek help.

Angie described how her drinking started socially in high school and college, but gradually spiraled out of control over the years. She hit a devastating low, hiding her addiction from loved ones and neglecting her responsibilities. Angie's husband's ultimatum was the wa...

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Welcome back to another episode of Breakfast of Choices! I’m excited to welcome Guest Krys Marazzi on the show. Krys is the host of the Untamed Psyche podcast, and she has a wealth of wisdom and life experiences to share with us. I had the pleasure of being a guest on her show, and I knew I had to have her on mine to dive deeper into her incredible story of transformation. 

Krys has been through so much in her life, from the trauma of her early childood to the cha...

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Welcome to another episode of Breakfast of Choices! Today, I'm thrilled to have Mariah Pettry on the show. Mariah is the founder of Awaken Her Coaching, specializing in helping women with trauma, addiction, and relationships. Her approach goes deeper than just talking - she helps her clients find their purpose and create a no-nonsense action plan.

Mariah shares her story of coming from a difficult childhood marked by abuse and trauma, to the depths of addiction, homelessness, and prostitution for almost 5 years. She shares her journey with raw honesty, taking us...

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Welcome back to another episode of Breakfast of Choices. Last week, I did something a little different on the show and shared my own personal journey from an interview I did on a friend Louis Jenkins podcast, “Let’s Talk About It”. Today, in this episode, I will be sharing part two of my story. 

I tend to approach my story with a lot of humor - that's just how I got through the difficult times. All though the subjects are serious! I made a lot of poor choices in the past an...

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In this episode of Breakfast of Choices, I'm sharing part 1 of my own personal journey, which was featured on a friend’s podcast. I open up about how I went from a troubled youth to finding purpose and transformation. After sharing so many stories of others, It's time for me to be real and raw, and get vulnerable with my listeners.

I started down a dark path at a very young age, using and selling drugs, seeking acceptance and love in all the wrong places. I was around a lot of ol...

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Today on Breakfast of Choices, I have Guest, Taylor Washburn, to share his powerful story of overcoming addiction and incarceration. Growing up, Taylor experienced a chaotic home life due to his parents' drug and alcohol abuse. As a child, he realized his family dynamics were very different from those of his friends and peers, leading him to keep secrets and defend his home life. 

Unfortunately, Taylor ended up joining his parents' lifestyle in a misguided attempt to fit in and feel accepted. Taylor's transition to adolescence brought increased involvement in drug u...

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Welcome to another episode of Breakfast of Choices. I’m so excited to have Guest Demetriah Annenayah on the show today to share her powerful story of transformation. Demetriah's journey is one of resilience, self-discovery, and the ultimate triumph of the human spirit. Growing up with a challenging family dynamic, including an alcoholic father and a mother seeking spiritual enlightenment, Demetriah faced immense adversity from a young age. The trauma of a violent assault during her adolescence left deep scars, leading to depression, suicidal ideation, and a fractured sense of self.

De...

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Today on Breakfast of Choices, I’m thrilled to have my guest Rossie Manka on the show today. Rossie is an author, speaker, and transformational coach who helps women break free from limiting beliefs and step into their full potential. In our conversation, Rossie shares her powerful story of overcoming childhood trauma, domestic abuse, and addiction to find healing, purpose, and an unshakable faith in God.

Rossie opens up about the challenges she faced growing up in a poverty-stricken neighborhood in Milwaukee, dealing with an absent father and a single mother wh...

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In this episode of Breakfast of Choices, I sit down with Chad Garcia to hear his powerful story of overcoming childhood trauma, addiction, and mental health struggles during his military service. As he shares his personal journey, I'm struck by the depth of his resilience and the rawness of his experiences.

Growing up, Chad endured physical abuse and witnessed his mother being assaulted, leaving deep scars that would shape the rest of his life. His teenage years were marked by a sense of isolation, as he turned to alcohol and rebellious...

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Welcome to Breakfast of Choices, where we share real-life stories of transformation from rock bottom to rock solid. I'm your host, Jo Summers, and today I'm honored to be joined by my friend Ben Martin, a local community business owner and the founder of R&B Trees. Ben has an incredible story to share about his journey from the depths of addiction and trauma to finding purpose, sobriety, and remarkable success. Growing up in a physically and emotionally abusive household, Ben turned to drugs and alcohol as a means of escape. His struggles...

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On today’s episode of Breakfast of Choices, I share my conversation with my good friend Lou Jenkins. I knew his story would resonate with many of our listeners. Lou opened up about the devastating loss of his daughter, who passed away from a fentanyl-laced cocaine overdose at the age of 34. As a parent, Lou described the heartbreaking experience of seeing the changes in his daughter's behavior and mannerisms before her tragic death. He shared the overwhelming grief of burying his oldest child while also preparing for his youngest son's wedding, all within th...

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Today on Breakfast of Choices, I’m honored to welcome Ashley Aldendorf back to the show for Part 2 of her story. If you have not yet listened to Part 1, you are definitely going to want to go back and listen to last week’s episode. Ashley is a woman whose story of resilience and triumph in the face of unimaginable adversity is truly inspiring. On today’s episode, she openly shares what a mother would never want to hear, that her young daughter disclosed that she had been sexually abused by Ashley's then-husband. She al...