Get a Grip Podcast

Latest Episodes:

A Life Shaped by the 80's Crack Epidemic: How a Cop Gave Me a Second Chance | Episode 26 Jan 13, 2025

Show notes

In this powerful episode Louis and Aaron sit down with Quan Gray. He opens up about his tumultuous upbringing during the crack epidemic of the 1980s. Growing up on the tough streets, Quan idolized his father, a well-known drug dealer, and found himself tangled in the chaos of crime and addiction.

With countless run-ins with the law, Quan seemed destined to repeat the same destructive patterns. But when he hit rock bottom, the unlikeliest of people—a police officer—stepped in and gave him a second chance at life.

Tune in to hear Quan’s raw, inspiring story of survival, redemption, and the unexpected people who can change everything when you least expect it.

🔔 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, and more below on our Link Tree below!

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Public Defender to Judge and the Human Experience of Prison Sentencing | Episode 25 Jan 06, 2025

Show notes

In this powerful episode of Get A Grip Podcast, convicted felon-turned-host, Louis Essig sits down with Judge Sheryl Munson of the Franklin County Common Pleas Court in Columbus, Ohio, for a candid conversation about the human side of the justice system.

Judge Munson opens up about the traumatic events of her childhood and how they shaped her perspective on law, justice, and empathy towards others. As the only former public defender now serving as a judge in the Franklin County Common Pleas Court, Judge Munson shares her unique journey from defending clients to deciding their fates in the courtroom. She also dives into the work she’s doing with the RISE Court (Reaching Individual Success Everyday), which she created. RISE Court is a Mental Health Specialty Docket Court designed to help individuals struggling with mental illness and addiction.

Throughout the conversation, Judge Munson discusses the emotional weight of sending someone to prison and the complex realities of justice. This eye-opening discussion explores the intersections of trauma, empathy, mental health, and the criminal justice system, offering a deeper understanding of the human side of justice.Don’t miss this inspiring and thought-provoking conversation with one of the most compassionate and forward-thinking judges in Ohio.

🔔 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, and more below on our Link Tree below!

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Mother, Son and the Needle : How Using Heroin With my Mother Ended In Tragedy | Episode 24 Dec 30, 2024

Show notes

In this unfiltered episode of Get A Grip Podcast, co-host Louis Essig sits down with Aaron Garnes to reveal his shocking and inspiring story of addiction, loss, and redemption. Growing up in a good neighborhood with endless opportunities, Louis never imagined his life would spiral into homelessness and heroin addiction. But the path he took led him to some of the darkest moments imaginable.Louis shares jaw-dropping stories about his fractured relationship with his mother, who was also an addict. From the chilling moment he shot his mother up for the first time, to being asked by police to wear a wire against her, Louis reflects on the complicated and painful bond they shared. After her tragic overdose, Louis was forced to navigate a world full of judgment and doubt, fighting to reclaim his life.In a powerful full-circle moment, Louis talks about how he went from being an inmate at a correctional facility to working as a correctional officer at the same institution years later. This transformation highlights his determination to rise above his past and prove everyone wrong.

This raw and emotional episode dives deep into themes of addiction, family struggles, and the resilience it takes to rebuild a life from rock bottom. Whether you’ve been impacted by addiction or want to hear a story of incredible perseverance, this conversation will leave you speechless.

🔔 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, and more below on our Link Tree below!

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A Prison Guard Fell in Love With me While we Ran a Drug Ring | Episode 23 Dec 24, 2024

Show notes

In this episode Louis and Aaron sit down with Joe Seifert. Joe battled addiction to prescription painkillers early in his life, which led him into a downward spiral of criminal activity and ultimately landed him in prison. His story takes a darker turn inside the walls of the penitentiary, where he found himself caught in a dangerous game of manipulation and deceit. While incarcerated, he wasn't just fighting the demons of addiction; he was also involved in running a sophisticated drug ring within the prison system.

Using his cunning and charisma, he managed to manipulate a female guard into helping him smuggle in and distribute drugs, exploiting the vulnerability of those around him to further his own agenda. His ability to navigate this treacherous world of crime inside the prison walls made him a key player in the illicit operation. But even amidst the chaos and corruption, something inside him began to shift. Through self-reflection and a deep desire to change, he started to break free from the grip of addiction and the criminal lifestyle that had defined his existence. Today, he stands sober, free, and empowered, with a new sense of purpose and happiness.

This is a story of redemption, resilience, and the unyielding power of transformation. Watch as he opens up about the darkness of his past, the lessons learned from his time in prison, and how he found the strength to rebuild his life and embrace a future filled with hope. If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, this story is a reminder that recovery is always possible.

🔔 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, and more below on our Link Tree below!

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I Survived 20 Years as an Opioid Addict and Found Sobriety When I Met My Wife Flying a Sign Homeless | Episode 22 Dec 16, 2024

Show notes

In this powerful and inspiring episode Louis sits down with his co-host, Aaron Garnes who opens up about his incredible journey of overcoming addiction, incarceration, and homelessness. Raised by a father who struggled with addiction and was frequently in and out of prison, Aaron grew up in a turbulent environment that set the stage for his own battles. Struggling with heroin addiction, Aaron's life spiraled out of control, leading him to break into a firehouse—a crime that ultimately resulted in a prison sentence.After serving time, Aaron's life didn't improve right away. He found himself homeless, with nowhere to turn, and resorted to flying a sign in an effort to survive. But everything changed one day when a woman saw him on the streets and offered him a place to live. That simple act of kindness became the turning point in Aaron’s life. Over time, with support and a new sense of purpose, Aaron got sober, married the woman who had helped him, and began to rebuild his life.Today, Aaron is clean, sober, and living a full life with his family. He now co-hosts Get a Grip Podcast, sharing his story of transformation, redemption, and hope. In this episode, Aaron reflects on the struggles he faced, the lessons he learned, and how love and second chances can truly change the course of a life. Tune in to hear his remarkable story of resilience, and discover how it’s possible to rise above even the darkest of circumstances.

🔔 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, and more below on our Link Tree below!

Get a Grip Podcast Link Tree: ⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/officialgetagrippodcas⁠⁠

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How I was Groomed To Be a Drug Dealer at 12 Years Old | Episode 21 Dec 09, 2024

Show notes

In this powerful and emotional episode, Louis and Aaron sit down with Bridget Evans. A woman whose life story is one of unimaginable hardship, resilience, and transformation. Growing up in a broken home, Bridget's childhood was shaped by her father's involvement in the drug trade.

Not only did he sell drugs, but he also groomed her to eventually take over the family business, pulling her into a world of crime and danger from an incredibly young age.As a result of her environment, Bridget found herself drawn into addiction at an early age, using any substance she could get her hands on to cope with the pain and chaos surrounding her. Her journey through addiction was intense and harrowing, but it also became a pivotal part of her story of survival.

She struggled with feelings of shame, loss, and hopelessness, yet through it all, she kept fighting for her own survival, even when it seemed impossible. But Bridget’s story doesn’t end in darkness. Today, she is sober, a loving and devoted mother, and a beacon of hope for others who may be struggling with addiction or difficult pasts. In this candid and open interview, Bridget shares the raw details of her tumultuous journey, including how she broke free from the grip of addiction, faced her demons, and found the strength to turn her life around.

🔔 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, and more below on our Link Tree below!

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Man's $200K College Bookstore Scam Exposed: Fake Prescriptions & OxyContin Addiction | Episode 20 Dec 04, 2024

Show notes

In this episode, Louis dives deep into the incredible and shocking true story of Kevin Lanning—a man who once orchestrated a massive $200,000 scam at a college bookstore to feed his insatiable Oxycontin addiction. Kevin’s desperate need to fund his habit led him to manipulate the system and con his way into stealing hundreds of thousands of dollars from a trusted institution. But the scam wasn’t his only crime. Kevin was also involved in trafficking prescription pills, using corrupt doctors and pain clinics to illegally obtain and sell Oxycontin, all while spiraling deeper into addiction. As Kevin’s story unfolds, we uncover the dangerous world of prescription pill trafficking, and the lengths some will go to when addiction takes over their lives.

Kevin’s actions not only affected the college bookstore but also put countless lives at risk through the distribution of illicit drugs. His descent into addiction was all-consuming, and the impact of his choices would haunt him for years. However, Kevin’s story doesn’t end there. Today, he is a completely transformed man, having been sober for 7 years. After hitting rock bottom, Kevin made the difficult but life-changing decision to turn his life around. With determination, support, and hard work, he overcame his addiction and turned his past mistakes into a powerful story of recovery.

Now, Kevin is using his platform as a social media influencer to share his journey, raise awareness about addiction, and inspire others who are struggling to seek help and make a change. In this video, Kevin opens up about the darkest moments of his life—his addiction, his criminal activities, and the pain he caused to those around him. But he also shares the path to recovery, the lessons he learned, and the daily challenges he faces as he continues on his journey of sobriety.

🔔 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, and more below on our Link Tree below!

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Locked in Maximum Security Prison for 6 Years: The Price of Being a Meth King Pin | Episode 19 Dec 01, 2024

Show notes

In this episode Louis and Aaron sit down with Nate Burchard who tells his incredible story of being a meth kingpin, and being arrested and sentenced to 6 years in maximum security prison. His criminal empire came crashing down when he was caught with a stash of drugs, firearms, and drug money. Life behind bars was anything but easy, and he found himself facing the brutal reality of prison life, including a harrowing 6 months in solitary confinement, where isolation and mental torment pushed him to his limits.

Throughout his time in prison, he battled not only the harsh physical environment but also the emotional weight of his actions. Surrounded by violence, betrayal, and regret, he made a decision that would change the course of his life forever — to leave his past behind and rebuild himself from the inside out.

This story is about much more than prison. It’s about personal growth, accountability, and the resilience it takes to rebuild after hitting rock bottom.

🔔 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, and more below on our Link Tree below!

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Waiting 7 Days to Die | Episode 18 Nov 27, 2024

Show notes

In this special episode of Get a Grip Podcast, Louis sits down with Manny Vitale, a former Detroit Police officer and outlaw biker whose life story is one of survival, transformation, and redemption. Manny opens up about the unimaginable hardships he faced, including surviving a bullet to the face, being stabbed, and fighting a battle with alcoholism that nearly took his life.

His journey through pain and suffering is a testament to his resilience, as he overcame each obstacle and came out stronger on the other side. Manny takes us through the dark chapters of his life, detailing how he navigated the gritty streets of Detroit as both a cop and a member of an outlaw motorcycle gang. He shares his experiences of living on the edge, constantly facing danger and self-destruction, but ultimately finding the strength to break free from a destructive lifestyle.

Now, in recovery and using his voice to inspire others, Manny runs his own podcast, My Fight Our War, where he helps people struggling with addiction, trauma, and mental health issues find hope and healing. In this episode, Manny speaks candidly about how he turned his life around, how he found a new purpose, and the importance of community and support in the journey of recovery. Join us as we hear about Manny’s incredible story of survival and his mission to help others through their own battles. This is an episode you won’t want to miss—full of raw honesty, powerful insights, and a message of hope for anyone facing their own fight.

🔔 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, and more below on our Link Tree below!

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Surviving Gunshots, Gang Life, and Prison: A Former Drug Dealer’s Journey to Recovery | Episode 17 Nov 24, 2024

Show notes

In this powerful and emotional video, Randy Bays opens up about his incredible journey from the dangers of gang life to a place of recovery and success. Born and raised in a world of violence, crime, and hardship, Randy’s life was shaped by the streets. He survived being shot multiple times, witnessed unimaginable trauma, and found himself trapped in the vicious cycle of gang life. But despite the odds stacked against him, Randy didn’t let his past define him.

After years of struggling and ultimately spending time behind bars, Randy hit rock bottom, but it was there that he found the strength to change. Through perseverance, self-reflection, and a desire for something better, he broke free from the chains of his former life. Now, Randy is a thriving, functioning member of society, using his past experiences to inspire others who might be walking a similar path. In this video, Randy takes us through his journey from the streets to prison and finally to recovery. He shares the lessons he’s learned along the way, the struggles he faced, and the pivotal moments that led him to turn his life around. His story is a testament to the power of resilience, hope, and the transformative power of second chances.

Through his work in the community and his ongoing commitment to personal growth, Randy now helps others who are trapped in a cycle of addiction and crime find a way out, just like he did. His journey is proof that no matter how dark the past may be, it’s never too late to start a new chapter.Watch this inspiring story of survival, redemption, and the strength of the human spirit. Randy Bays’ story is one of courage, determination, and the unwavering belief that a better life is possible for anyone willing to put in the work.

🔔 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, and more below on our Link Tree below!

Get a Grip Podcast Link Tree: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/officialgetagrippodcas⁠⁠⁠

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