Get a Grip Podcast

Latest Episodes:

How I Accidentally Got Addicted to F3tty and Lost Two Boyfriends Before I Hit 22 | Ep 104 Nov 24, 2025

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In this powerful episode, Louis and Aaron sit down with Kee Brown — a young woman whose life story moves at the speed of a disaster she somehow survived. From childhood struggles to back-to-back tragedies, Kee’s journey into f3ntanyl addiction is as raw and gripping as it gets.Kee starts strong, diving straight into the chaos of her upbringing and the early life experiences that shaped her. The conversation quickly takes a heartbreaking turn when she recounts watching her boyfriend get killed right in front of her — a trauma that sent her life spiraling into places she never imagined.She explains how she first encountered f3ntanyl by accident, thinking she was simply using cocaine, and then breaks down the dangerous practice of “shotgunning fetty,” revealing how users try to reduce its potency just to survive the high. Kee goes on to describe how she made money selling f3ntanyl, how her own use escalated to an unimaginable seven grams a day, and why she never crossed the line into shooting up. Her breakdown of what daily life looks like at that level of addiction is brutally honest and almost unbelievable.Kee’s story takes another devastating turn as she talks about losing a second boyfriend while she was still barely into adulthood. The accumulation of grief, trauma, and addiction created a storm she almost didn’t survive.She then opens up about the darkest moment of her life, when her gun jammed during an attempted suicide — a chilling twist of fate that led to a deep reflection on what a human life is worth, including her own. That moment became the start of her realization that she wasn’t meant to die, not like that, not then.As the interview unfolds, Kee talks about the chaos of withdrawal, the nonstop phone calls, the pressure, and ultimately the moment she locked herself in a hotel room for a week to detox alone. It was the fight of her life — and somehow, she made it out.This is Kee Brown — uncut, unfiltered, and unforgettable.An episode you won’t be able to stop thinking about.🔥 Expect emotion. Expect truth. Expect hope.🔔 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more powerful stories on addiction, recovery, and resilience.Get a Grip Podcast Social Media: Find our TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeart Radio links, a more on our Link Tree below!Get a Grip Social Media Links: ⁠https://linktr.ee/officialgetagrippodcast👇 Let us know your thoughts in the comments.

The FBI on Her Lawn, Leukemia, and Relapse: A Survivor’s Raw Story of Alcoholism in the 80's & 90's | Ep 103 Nov 20, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, Louis and Aaron sit down with someone who truly embodies the definition of “old school.” Kathy Williams—once a hard-living criminal alcoholic—has now been sober for nearly four decades, and her journey is nothing short of unbelievable.Kathy grew up in a world where chaos felt normal, and the madness only intensified when she met her first husband. He wasn’t just dabbling in crime—he was running from police on a regular basis, dragging Kathy into a lifestyle she never planned on living. What started as standing by her husband quickly turned into participating in the same wild, reckless behavior. And with every police chase, every lie, every slammed door, her drinking escalated. Alcohol became her escape, her comfort, and eventually her downfall.As her marriage crumbled, Kathy tried to climb out of the hole—but the insanity wasn’t done with her yet. While working her job, she found herself entangled with a client’s brother, a man whose presence felt like a whirlwind compared to the storm she was escaping. Three weeks after meeting him—three weeks of excitement, instability, and red flags she didn’t want to see—Kathy married him. That decision would send her into another chapter of turmoil that even she couldn’t have predicted.From bar fights and blackouts to dangerous decisions and losing everything she thought she controlled, Kathy’s life spiraled into a level of chaos that would have destroyed most people. But instead, her story took a turn. Through pain, consequences, and moments of clarity that came only after she hit her own version of bottom, Kathy clawed her way toward sobriety. And once she got clean, she stayed clean—year after year, decade after decade.Nearly 40 years later, Kathy Williams sits with Louis and Aaron not as the woman she used to be, but as a living testament to resilience, accountability, and the power of recovery. Her story is raw, gripping, unbelievable in parts—and absolutely inspiring.And trust us… you’ll want to listen until the very end to hear how this one turns out.

🔥 Expect emotion. Expect truth. Expect hope.

🔔 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more powerful stories on addiction, recovery, and resilience.Get a Grip Podcast Social Media: Find our TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeart Radio links, a more on our Link Tree below!Get a Grip Social Media Links: ⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/officialgetagrippodcast⁠

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How I Got Pregnant With Twins While I Was Cooking M3th | Ep 102 Nov 15, 2025

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Aaron and Louis sit down with Kendra Mertz, whose childhood and early adulthood played out like scenes straight from Breaking Bad. Kendra grew up in a home where meth wasn’t just nearby — it was everywhere. The chaos, the chemical smell, the secrecy, and the constant fear of police lights at the end of the driveway were all part of her daily reality. One of the most unforgettable moments in her story comes when law enforcement discovered the trailer her family was living in. Officers surrounded the property, waiting on a warrant, unsure of what they would find inside. And in the middle of that storm, Kendra was pregnant with twins.Kendra never set out to harm her children, but addiction doesn't care about intentions. Despite her efforts to quit, despite the guilt that tore her apart, she found herself exposing not one, not two, but three pregnancies to meth and other drugs. Each time she promised herself she would stop. Each time the addiction pulled her back. She tried to get clean for her kids, for her family, for everyone else — but it never lasted. It wasn’t until she finally decided to do it for herself that everything changed. That was the moment she broke the cycle.Her road to recovery wasn’t a neat or easy journey. It was full of setbacks, dangerous situations, moments of deep shame, and a long climb to rebuild the pieces of her life. But once Kendra made the decision to fight back, she fought with everything she had. Slowly, she earned her sobriety, her stability, and her sense of purpose.Today, Kendra stands on the opposite side of the system that once chased her. She has become a respected parole officer — not just any officer, but one who is known for her compassion, her strength, and her ability to connect with people still trapped in the lifestyle she escaped. She’s living proof that people can rise from the absolute lowest points in life and come back stronger than anyone believed possible. Now she uses her story, her scars, and her hard-earned wisdom to help others climb out of the same darkness she once called home.Kendra Mertz isn’t just surviving — she’s helping others survive too. Her journey is a testament to resilience, redemption, and the power of choosing a new path, no matter how deep the past has buried you.🔥 Expect emotion. Expect truth. Expect hope.🔔 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more powerful stories on addiction, recovery, and resilience.Get a Grip Podcast Social Media: Find our TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeart Radio links, a more on our Link Tree below!Get a Grip Social Media Links: ⁠https://linktr.ee/officialgetagrippodcast👇 Let us know your thoughts in the comments.

How I Got Addicted to F3nt4nyl At 30 Years Old | Ep 101 Nov 13, 2025

Show notes

In this powerful and emotional episode, Louis and Aaron sit down with Katie Szabo from Youngstown, Ohio, whose story is one of unexpected turns, heartbreak, and redemption. Katie grew up never knowing her father, but she was raised by her mother—a brilliant and hardworking woman employed by NASA—who did everything she could to provide her daughter with a stable and loving home. Katie’s childhood and early adult years were filled with normalcy and success. She was a bright student, a dependable friend, and someone who seemed to have her life completely together.

For nearly thirty years, everything appeared steady—until one day, a switch flipped. Around the age of 30, Katie met a man she would later marry, and together they set out on what seemed like a dream life. With money from a settlement from a previous job, they traveled the country in an RV, camping along the coasts and chasing adventure from state to state. From the outside, it looked like freedom. But behind the smiles and scenic photos, Katie was struggling. Her life began to spiral into on-and-off sobriety, emotional chaos, and instability that slowly eroded everything she had built.The relationship became increasingly toxic and violent, eventually drawing Katie into the court system. It was there that her world truly came crashing down—she lost custody of her children, a heartbreak that still drives her to this day. Shortly after, she spent a month in jail, where everything finally caught up to her. In that time, away from the noise and destruction, the lightbulb came on. She saw her life for what it had become and realized she had the power to change it.When Katie walked out of jail, she stepped into a new chapter—one defined by recovery, reflection, and rebuilding. Today, she is not only sober, but also fighting to regain custody of her children and to prove every day that transformation is possible. She uses her experience to help others who are still trapped in the cycle of addiction and despair, showing them that recovery isn’t just about getting clean—it’s about finding yourself again.Katie’s story is a raw and inspiring testament to the power of perseverance, redemption, and love. From the open roads of her past to the uphill climb of her present, she continues to fight—with courage, with faith, and with hope. Her journey reminds us all that no matter how far we fall, there’s always a way back, and the fight for what matters most is never over.🔥 Expect emotion. Expect truth. Expect hope.🔔 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more powerful stories on addiction, recovery, and resilience.Get a Grip Podcast Social Media: Find our TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeart Radio links, a more on our Link Tree below!Get a Grip Social Media Links: ⁠https://linktr.ee/officialgetagrippodcast👇 Let us know your thoughts in the comments.

My Truth: Exploiting Myself to Survive Addiction While Another Man Profited | Ep 100 Nov 10, 2025

Show notes

In this powerful and emotional episode, Aaron and Louis sit down with Amber Rabold, a woman whose life has been anything but ordinary. Amber’s story begins in the rough neighborhoods of north Columbus, where she grew up sharing a single room with her family—four people crammed together just trying to survive. From a young age, chaos and instability were all she knew. Her parents, both struggling with alcoholism, passed down more than just their habits—they passed down a legacy of pain, confusion, and addiction.Amber’s life took a dark turn early on.

At only nine years old, she discovered drugs and alcohol, and what started as curiosity quickly became her way of escaping reality. She describes it as “love at first high,” the feeling that took her away from the constant noise and hurt of her world. But that escape came with a heavy cost.

As she got older, her addiction tightened its grip, pushing her deeper into a life of survival and desperation.By her teenage years, Amber found herself chasing money the only way she thought she could—stripping. What started as a means to get by soon became an all-consuming lifestyle. The fast money, attention, and adrenaline made it easy to ignore the pain she was hiding. But when the club lights dimmed and the music stopped, Amber was left facing the same demons she had been running from since childhood. Eventually, that life led her even further down, selling herself just to feed her addiction and survive another day.Amber’s story is raw, real, and filled with the kind of honesty that stops you in your tracks. She opens up about the lowest moments—the loneliness, the shame, and the times she thought she wouldn’t make it out alive. But this story isn’t one of tragedy—it’s one of redemption.

Through hard work, recovery, and a newfound sense of purpose, Amber has completely transformed her life. Today, she stands proud, clean, and stronger than ever, using her past to help others find hope in their darkest moments.Tune in to hear Amber’s incredible journey from addiction and survival to freedom and healing—a reminder that no matter how far you fall,

recovery is always possible.

🔥 Expect emotion. Expect truth. Expect hope.

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Social Media Links: ⁠https://linktr.ee/officialgetagrippodcast

How 4 DUIs and a Felony Forced Me to Change My Life | Ep 97 Nov 06, 2025

Show notes

In this emotional and eye-opening episode, hosts Aaron Garnes and Louis Essig sit down with Josh Hively, a man whose story of addiction, pain, and redemption will leave you speechless.Josh opens up about his life — a childhood that seemed picture-perfect on the surface. He grew up in a loving family, played sports, and excelled in school. From the outside, Josh looked like the kind of kid destined for success. But beneath that normal exterior, something darker was beginning to take hold. When he first tried alcohol, he discovered something that made him feel invincible — free from fear, worry, and insecurity. It wasn’t just a drink to him; it was an escape, a way to numb the parts of himself he didn’t understand.As time went on, Josh’s drinking spiraled out of control. What started as casual use with friends became an obsession — a way of life. Pills soon followed, deepening the chaos and pulling him further away from the person he once was. His life became a cycle of blackouts, broken promises, and regret. Family relationships suffered, his potential slipped away, and the consequences piled up.Eventually, Josh found himself standing in a courtroom — four DUIs deep, facing the very real possibility of a prison sentence. It was a breaking point. The walls had finally closed in, and there was nowhere left to run. But what could have been the end for Josh became the beginning of something new. It was in that moment facing the harsh reality of what his addiction had done — that he made the decision to take recovery seriously.What followed was not easy. It took years of hard work, honesty, and humility. Josh had to rebuild everything from the ground up — his trust, his relationships, his sense of purpose. Through recovery, he found a new way to live, one built on gratitude and service. Today, Josh uses his past not as a source of shame, but as a message of hope. His story proves that no matter how far down addiction takes you, there is always a way back.This episode is a raw and powerful look at how addiction doesn’t discriminate — it can touch anyone, even those who seem to have everything going for them. Josh’s transformation from a seemingly never-ending alcoholic to a man living a life of purpose will inspire anyone who listens.🔥 Expect emotion. Expect truth. Expect hope.🔔 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more powerful stories on addiction, recovery, and resilience.Get a Grip Podcast Social Media: Find our TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeart Radio links, a more on our Link Tree below!Get a Grip Social Media Links: ⁠https://linktr.ee/officialgetagrippodcast👇 Let us know your thoughts in the comments.

Addiction Unfiltered: Xanax DUIs, Pill Runs, and a Shot at Redemption Ep | 96 Nov 03, 2025

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In this raw and powerful episode, hosts Louis and Aaron sit down with Alex Butt, a man whose journey from a normal upbringing to the chaos of addiction shows just how fast life can spiral out of control — and how strong a person has to be to fight their way back.Alex grew up in what most would call a normal household. He wasn’t born into dysfunction or addiction. But like so many, he was drawn to the fast life of the streets — the rush, the danger, the illusion of control. Everything changed the day he tried his first Xanax. It was love at first taste — a feeling that numbed everything and made the world feel easier. But that love quickly turned toxic.What started as a way to feel calm turned into full-blown chaos. DUIs followed, along with a string of crimes that kept pushing Alex deeper into the system. But the spiral didn’t stop there. He began selling drugs — not in some back alley, but at the airport, where he worked, dealing to co-workers, his boss, and even his child’s mother. The lines between right and wrong blurred until there weren’t any left.Before long, Alex found himself caught in a violent triangle of people, fueled by drugs, jealousy, and desperation — a mess that exploded into a brawl that could have ended much worse. Not long after, an unpaid ticket landed him back in jail, a place that had become far too familiar. But this time was different. Facing a felony, Alex had no more excuses, no more “one more chances.” He was at a crossroads — keep going and lose everything, or finally fight to turn it all around.And he did.Alex made the decision to change his life for good. He got clean, stayed committed, and started to rebuild from the ground up. Today, he works at a treatment center, dedicating his life to helping others who are fighting the same battles he once did. His story is proof that no matter how many times you fall, you can always get back up.This episode is packed with emotion, honesty, and redemption. Alex opens up about his darkest moments, the insanity of his choices, the pain of facing consequences, and the freedom he’s found in recovery.🔥 Expect emotion. Expect truth. Expect hope.🔔 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more powerful stories on addiction, recovery, and resilience.Get a Grip Podcast Social Media: Find our TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeart Radio links, a more on our Link Tree below!Get a Grip Social Media Links: ⁠https://linktr.ee/officialgetagrippodcast👇 Let us know your thoughts in the comments.

My Battle with H3r0in, F3ntanyl & Methadone -- Trying to Stay Clean Ep | 95 Oct 30, 2025

Show notes

In this powerful episode, hosts Aaron and Louis sit down with Dan Vanwallsen, a man whose life took a sharp turn from a normal childhood into the darkness of addiction — and eventually, into a life dedicated to helping others heal.Dan didn’t come from chaos. He didn’t grow up surrounded by addiction or crime. In fact, his childhood was nothing out of the ordinary. But addiction doesn’t discriminate, and for Dan, it started with curiosity — and ended in chains.Heroin entered his life quietly, the kind of thing you think you’ll only try once. But the drug’s grip was fast and unforgiving. To avoid withdrawal and keep functioning, Dan transitioned to methadone — believing it would be his lifeline. Instead, it became another prison. Methadone ruled every day of his life, controlling his decisions, his movements, and his future. It was a ball and chain he dragged behind him for years.Dan’s story is packed with heartbreaking lows and near-fatal mistakes — moments when he couldn’t see a way out and wondered if this was how his story would end. But somewhere in that struggle, something changed. Dan refused to let addiction write the final chapters of his life.Through brutal honesty, support, and an unbreakable will, Dan broke free. He detoxed. He rebuilt. He transformed. And now, he doesn’t just celebrate his own sobriety — he works in recovery, using the pain he survived to guide others out of the same darkness.This episode is unfiltered and packed with emotion — a deep dive into:• How a good childhood can still lead to addiction• The quiet traps heroin and methadone set• The brutal process of getting clean for real• The mission Dan now lives out every day helping othersToday, Dan is proof that no matter how far drugs take you, there is always a way back. His journey is a reminder that recovery isn’t just possible — it’s worth every single fight.🔥 Expect emotion. Expect truth. Expect hope.🔔 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more powerful stories on addiction, recovery, and resilience.Get a Grip Podcast Social Media: Find our TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeart Radio links, a more on our Link Tree below!Get a Grip Social Media Links: ⁠https://linktr.ee/officialgetagrippod.cast👇 Let us know your thoughts in the comments.

I Drank & Used Everyday For 26 Years, Now I’m 15 Years Sober Ep | 94 Oct 26, 2025

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In this heartfelt and inspiring episode, host Louis sits down with James Witherspoon, a man who grew up in the tough streets of Detroit and knows firsthand what it feels like to be underestimated. As a kid, James was bullied relentlessly. He never felt like he fit in, never felt like he was enough. But unlike many who struggle early, James didn’t dive into addiction right away. He didn’t start drinking until he was 18… and when he did, he fell in love fast.That love quickly turned toxic. James experimented with other substances, but alcohol always had the tightest grip. No matter how many times he tried to break free, it dragged him back to his knees — again and again. His journey is filled with setbacks, painful lessons, and moments where he wasn’t sure he would survive.But James did more than survive — he transformed. Today, he is the Clinical Director at a treatment facility, helping men and women just like him find hope, healing, and a new life beyond addiction. His story is proof that it’s never too late to rewrite your future and become someone you’re proud of.This episode dives deep into the struggles, the turning points, and the powerful comeback of a man who refused to stay down. James’s honesty and strength make this one of the most uplifting conversations you’ll hear.

🔥 Expect emotion. Expect truth. Expect hope.

🔔 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more powerful stories on addiction, recovery, and resilience.Get a

Grip Podcast Social Media: Find our TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeart Radio links, a more on our Link Tree below!Get a Grip Social Media Links: ⁠https://linktr.ee/officialgetagrippodcast

👇 Let us know your thoughts in the comments.

What This Former Addict Told Middle Schoolers Will Shock You | Ep 93 Oct 24, 2025

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In this moving and eye-opening episode, Louis Essig steps into an 8th-grade classroom with one mission — to tell the truth. Not the sugarcoated version, but the real, gritty, and painful truth about drug addiction and how it completely derailed his life.Louis grew up with every opportunity in front of him. He was a bright student, earned good grades, and was active in sports. From the outside, he looked like a kid destined for success — someone who had it all together. But behind the smiles and achievements, Louis began making choices that would slowly unravel everything he once valued. What started as “just trying it once” turned into a full-blown addiction that would steal years of his life, destroy relationships, and leave him homeless on the west side of Columbus, Ohio.Standing in front of these middle school students, Louis doesn’t hold back. He shares the raw details of how addiction doesn’t care who you are — it doesn’t matter where you come from, how smart you are, or what kind of family you grew up in. He talks about the pain, the fear, the hopelessness, and the reality of living every day just trying to survive. But he also shares something else — hope.Today, Louis is using his past to change the future. He travels to schools and communities, speaking directly to young people about the choices that can change everything. He educates them on what can happen when drugs and alcohol become a part of their lives — not just the health risks, but the legal consequences, the felony convictions, and the lifelong challenges that come with those decisions.But more than that, Louis shows that recovery is possible. He’s proof that no matter how far you fall, there’s always a way back. His honesty, emotion, and passion captivate every student in the room, leaving them with a powerful message: one decision can change everything — for better or for worse.This is more than just a talk. It’s a wake-up call. It’s a reminder that addiction doesn’t start in a dark alley — it often starts in a classroom, at a party, or with a friend’s offer. And Louis Essig is here to make sure these kids hear the truth before it’s too late.Watch as Louis turns his pain into purpose, his struggle into strength, and his story into a message that could save lives.🔥 Expect emotion. Expect truth. Expect hope.🔔 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more powerful stories on addiction, recovery, and resilience.Get a Grip Podcast Social Media: Find our TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeart Radio links, a more on our Link Tree below!Get a Grip Social Media Links: ⁠https://linktr.ee/officialgetagrippodcast👇 Let us know your thoughts in the comments.

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