1 Billion Hugs with Reed Byers | The Hopeaholics Podcast

In this powerful episode of the The Hopeaholics Podcast, we sit down with Reed Byers to share his raw and inspiring journey through addiction, consequences, recovery, and purpose. Reed opens up about how substance use gradually took control of his life, the painful turning points that forced him to confront reality, and the mindset shifts that helped him rebuild from the ground up. He talks honestly about accountability, faith, repairing relationships, and the difficult process of learning how to live again without substances. One of the most moving parts of the conversation is his mission behind “1 Billion Hugs,” a reminder of the power of human connection, compassion, and showing people they are not alone in their struggles. This episode is filled with hope, hard truths, and practical encouragement for anyone battling addiction or loving someone who is, proving that no matter how far someone falls, purpose and healing are still possible.

Check out the 1 Billion Hugs Mission:
https://www.1billionhugs.com

#thehopeaholics #redemption #recovery #AlcoholAddiction #AddictionRecovery #wedorecover #SobrietyJourney #MyStory #Hope #wedorecover #treatmentcenter #natalieevamarie

Join our patreon to get access to an EXTRA EPISODE every week of ‘Off the Record’, exclusive content, a thriving recovery community, and opportunities to be featured on the podcast. https://patreon.com/TheHopeaholics

Go to www.Wolfpak.com today and support our sponsors. Don't forget to use code: HOPEAHOLICSPODCAST for 10% off!

Follow the Hopeaholics on our Socials:
https://www.instagram.com/thehopeaholics
https://linktr.ee/thehopeaholics

Buy Merch:
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Visit our Treatment Centers: https://www.hopebythesea.com
If you or a loved one needs help, please call or text 949-615-8588. We have the resources to treat mental health and addiction.

Sponsored by the Infiniti Group LLC:
https://www.infinitigroupllc.com

Timestamps:
00:02:11 — Early Life and Background
00:06:48 — First Exposure to Addiction
00:11:35 — Escalation Into Substance Use
00:18:02 — Consequences and Legal Trouble
00:24:19 — Hitting a Personal Low Point
00:31:07 — The Turning Point Decision
00:38:44 — Entering Recovery
00:46:10 — Struggles in Early Sobriety
00:52:58 — Faith and Perspective Shift
01:00:26 — Rebuilding Relationships
01:08:13 — Lessons Learned Through Recovery
01:15:47 — Accountability and Ownership
01:22:05 — Helping Others Find Recovery
01:27:54 — The “1 Billion Hugs” Mission
01:30:41 — Purpose After Addiction
01:38:59 — Message of Hope

What It Really Takes to Get Clean and Stay Clean w/ David Gates | The Hopeaholics Podcast


In this powerful episode of the The Hopeaholics Podcast, we sit down with David Gates to talk about addiction, recovery, faith, and the realities families face when a loved one is struggling. David shares his personal journey through loss, survival, and transformation, opening up about the friends he’s lost, the moments that forced him to change direction, and the purpose he found in helping others escape the cycle of addiction. The conversation dives into the emotional toll on parents living in constant fear, the difficult balance between tough love and support, and the importance of having trusted people in your life who can speak truth when you need it most. Through raw honesty and hard-earned wisdom, this episode offers hope to anyone battling addiction or loving someone who is — reminding listeners that recovery is possible, purpose can be rebuilt, and no story is ever truly over.


#thehopeaholics #redemption #recovery #AlcoholAddiction #AddictionRecovery #wedorecover #SobrietyJourney #MyStory #Hope #wedorecover #treatmentcenter #natalieevamarie




Join our patreon to get access to an EXTRA EPISODE every week of ‘Off the Record’, exclusive content, a thriving recovery community, and opportunities to be featured on the podcast. https://patreon.com/TheHopeaholics




Go to www.Wolfpak.com today and support our sponsors. Don't forget to use code: HOPEAHOLICSPODCAST for 10% off!




Follow the Hopeaholics on our Socials:
https://www.instagram.com/thehopeaholics
https://linktr.ee/thehopeaholics




Buy Merch:
https://thehopeaholics.myshopify.com




Visit our Treatment Centers: https://www.hopebythesea.com
If you or a loved one needs help, please call or text 949-615-8588. We have the resources to treat mental health and addiction.




Sponsored by the Infiniti Group LLC:
https://www.infinitigroupllc.com




Timestamps:
00:04:57 — Turning Pain Into Purpose
00:07:41 — Early Recovery Realizations
00:12:18 — Identity Beyond Addiction
00:18:09 — Faith Entering the Story
00:23:55 — Personal Responsibility Shift
00:29:44 — The Reality of Street Outreach
00:35:22 — Parents Living in Constant Fear
00:36:03 — There’s Only One David Gates
00:40:53 — Dropping Everything to Help
00:48:16 — Seeing Addiction Differently
00:55:02 — Hope for Families
01:05:13 — Tough Love vs Support
01:12:27 — Long-Term Recovery Perspective
01:20:10 — The Importance of Trusted People
01:28:34 — Purpose After Survival

Five Years Trapped With Her Cocaine Dealer with Gladys Seisay | The Hopeaholics Podcast


In this powerful episode of the Hopeaholics Podcast, Gladys Seisay shares her raw and unfiltered journey from growing up in Sierra Leone to navigating trauma, addiction, domestic violence, jail, and ultimately fighting her way back to freedom. What started as teenage rebellion turned into alcohol abuse, cocaine addiction, and a five-year abusive relationship that nearly cost her everything. Gladys opens up about losing her eyesight at seven, surviving sexual assault, being arrested instead of her abuser, and the spiritual moments that kept her alive in her darkest hours. This episode is a testament to resilience, faith, and the reality of how trauma and addiction intertwine. If you or someone you love is struggling, this conversation is proof that no matter how far you fall, recovery is possible. Her story highlights how unhealed pain can manifest in destructive cycles, but also how courage and self-awareness can break them. The vulnerability she brings to this conversation sheds light on the hidden layers of shame, manipulation, and trauma bonding that many people silently endure. Through honesty and reflection, Gladys shows what it truly takes to reclaim your voice and your power. This is more than a story about addiction — it’s a story about survival, accountability, and hope.


#thehopeaholics #redemption #recovery #AlcoholAddiction #AddictionRecovery #wedorecover #SobrietyJourney #MyStory #Hope #wedorecover #treatmentcenter #natalieevamarie


Join our patreon to get access to an EXTRA EPISODE every week of ‘Off the Record’, exclusive content, a thriving recovery community, and opportunities to be featured on the podcast. https://patreon.com/TheHopeaholics


Go to www.Wolfpak.com today and support our sponsors. Don't forget to use code: HOPEAHOLICSPODCAST for 10% off!


Follow the Hopeaholics on our Socials:
https://www.instagram.com/thehopeaholics
https://linktr.ee/thehopeaholics


Buy Merch:
https://thehopeaholics.myshopify.com


Visit our Treatment Centers: https://www.hopebythesea.com
If you or a loved one needs help, please call or text 949-615-8588. We have the resources to treat mental health and addiction.


Sponsored by the Infiniti Group LLC:
https://www.infinitigroupllc.com


Timestamps:
00:02:26 - Born in Sierra Leone
00:04:54 - The Tennis Ball Accident (Loss of Sight)
00:09:54 - Discovering Hidden Siblings
00:12:38 - Crashing Her Mom’s Car at 18
00:13:02 - Sexual Assault During Blackout
00:16:59 - Quitting Weed Cold Turkey
00:19:59 - “Electric Cain” Alter Ego
00:23:19 - Cocaine Changes Everything
00:27:11 - Slapped in the Uber
00:28:20 - Arrested Instead of Him
00:29:58 - 40 Women in the Tank
00:31:27 - Bible in Jail Moment
00:34:43 - 52 Weeks of Domestic Violence Classes
00:41:30 - Confessing Relapse on Final Class
00:42:31 - Becoming “Crazier” to Escape