Recoverycast: Mental Health & Addiction Recovery Stories

Jesse Crosson's life transformed overnight when a rapid spiral into cocaine addiction and alcohol use resulted in a 32-year state prison sentence at age 18. In this episode of Recoverycast, Jesse shares his journey through substance use disorder, serving 19 years in Virginia state prisons, and receiving a full pardon from the governor. 
Find mental health and addiction treatment near you: https://recovery.com/
Jesse reflects on growing up with parents in recovery, emotional detachment in childhood, and using cocaine to escape deep feelings of unworthiness. Within three months of trying cocaine, his life unraveled into crime, a shooting that injured two people, and a crushing court sentence. While incarcerated in state prison, Jesse confronted his personal trauma, earned a psychology degree, tutored fellow inmates, and discovered true purpose in service to others. 
Following a surprise full pardon after 19 years, Jesse navigated the overwhelming realities of reentry—from sensory overload to relearning society and technology. He candidly discusses overcoming alcohol relapse after release, stepping away from restrictive labels, and building a life grounded in emotional healing and empowerment. As author of The Best Part of Prison and founder of the Second Chancellor Foundation, Jesse brings hope to juvenile detention centers and justice-impacted individuals across the country. His sobriety story proves that no matter how deep your struggle, second chances and total transformation are always possible. 
If Jesse’s story inspired you, please like, subscribe, share, and leave a comment below with your thoughts!
⏱️ Chapters:
00:00 – Intro 
00:03:12 – Welcome Jesse Crosson 
00:03:56 – Childhood, Trauma, & Parents in Recovery 
00:09:26 – Cocaine Addiction & The 3-Month Spiral 
00:17:11 – SWAT Arrest & Facing 138 Years in Prison 
00:25:24 – Finding Purpose & Psychology Behind Bars 
00:36:00 – Losing His Father While Incarcerated 
00:44:19 – Receiving a Surprise Full Pardon After 19 Years 
00:51:11 – Reentry Anxiety, Hot Ice Cream, & Relearning Freedom 
00:55:10 – Second Chancellor Foundation & Youth Mentorship 
❓ Questions the Video Answers:
How can emotional detachment in childhood contribute to early substance use? 
What does it feel like to experience a rapid spiral from cocaine use? 
How do you cope with receiving a lengthy prison sentence as a young adult? 
Can you pursue higher education and self-growth while incarcerated? 
How does mentoring and helping others support long-term recovery and healing? 
What is the process of applying for and receiving a full gubernatorial pardon? 
What are the biggest mental health challenges during reentry after years in prison? 
How do sensory overload and anxiety affect individuals transitioning back into society? 
Is it possible to rebuild your life after active substance use and incarceration? 
How does the Second Chancellor Foundation support justice-impacted youth? 
What role does emotional processing play in breaking cycles of substance use? 
How do you find self-worth and hope when hitting rock bottom? 
#AddictionRecovery #SobrietyStories #IncarcerationRecovery

Dreamville rapper Cozz opens up about severe alcohol dependency, losing his close friend, and finding healing through cold-turkey sobriety. In this vulnerable episode of Recoverycast, South Central LA native Cozz joins host Brittani Baynard to reflect on his journey through the music industry, childhood trauma, and overcoming heavy drinking. 
Find mental health and addiction treatment near you: https://recovery.com/
Signed to J. Cole’s Dreamville label at age 20, Cozz quickly found himself on massive world tours where free alcohol was constantly accessible. What started at age 15 as a way to ease social anxiety, manage a chaotic household, and write lyrics slowly turned into severe alcohol dependency. The isolation of the pandemic and multiple DUI arrests pushed him further into a dark cycle, until the sudden loss of his close friend served as a crucial wake-up call. 
Choosing cold-turkey sobriety, Cozz transformed his life through physical fitness, walking ten miles a day, and embarking on a deep spiritual awakening. He shares how removing alcohol helped him lose 50 pounds, rebuild his relationship with his mother, process past trauma, and create his most authentic music yet. His story proves that true self-confidence comes from inner healing, discipline, and trusting your own purpose. 
If Cozz’s story inspired you, please like, comment, and subscribe to Recoverycast! Share this video with anyone who needs to hear a message of hope today.
⏱️ Chapters:
00:00 – Intro 
02:46 – Welcome Cozz 
03:42 – Growing Up in South Central LA & Childhood Anxiety 
04:51 – Finding Alcohol at 15 to Cope with Family Chaos 
08:04 – Signing to J. Cole’s Dreamville Record Label 
11:07 – Tour Life, Free Liquor Riders & Escalating Drinking 
17:34 – Losing a Close Friend & Realizing Life or Death 
19:38 – COVID Isolation, DUIs & Reaching Rock Bottom 
27:24 – Going Cold Turkey: 10-Mile Walks & Spiritual Awakening 
41:09 – Healing Generational Trauma & Making Sober Music 
❓ Questions the Video Answers:
How does alcohol use affect social anxiety and creative confidence? 
What triggers alcohol dependency in teenagers living in chaotic homes? 
How do free alcohol riders on tour impact an artist's drinking habits? 
What role can daily physical exercise like walking play in early sobriety? 
How does grief and losing a friend serve as a turning point in addiction recovery? 
Can musical artists stay creative and write songs without drinking? 
How do you process childhood trauma and heal family relationships in recovery? 
What are the physical and emotional challenges of quitting alcohol cold turkey? 
How does isolation during a crisis increase alcohol consumption? 
How do you rebuild authentic self-confidence after stopping drinking? 
How can adult children and parents break generational trauma cycles? 
What does finding peace and simple routine look like in long-term sobriety? 
#AddictionRecovery #SobrietyStories #MentalHealth

In this powerful episode of Recoverycast, AJ Banuelos shares his journey from generational gang life, prison, and severe meth and heroin use to becoming a frontline recovery advocate. Overcoming years of trauma, near-death overdoses, and cycles of incarceration, AJ transformed his pain into purpose as Director of Community Engagement and Training at End Overdose. 
Find mental health and addiction treatment near you: https://recovery.com/
Learn more about End Overdose: https://endoverdose.net/
AJ opens up about growing up surrounded by gang culture, domestic violence, and early substance use. After entering juvenile hall at a young age, he used tough exteriors to mask deep-seated fear and isolation. The cycle continued into adulthood with methamphetamine and heroin use, repeated prison terms, and strained family relationships. However, a poignant conversation with his 11-year-old son and a terrifying encounter with law enforcement became pivotal moments that sparked his desire to change. 
Through a 12-step treatment program and sober living, AJ discovered genuine connection, self-worth, and a new identity beyond his past. Today, celebrating five years of sobriety, AJ travels the country training communities, distributing life-saving Naloxone, and breaking the stigma around mental health and substance use disorder. His story proves that no matter how deep the struggle, recovery and transformation are always possible. 
If AJ’s story inspired you, please like, comment, and subscribe to Recoverycast! Share this video with someone who needs a reminder that hope and healing are within reach.
⏱️ Chapters:
00:00 - Intro 
04:08 - Welcome AJ Banuelos 
05:24 - Growing Up in Generational Gang Culture 
10:15 - Early Substance Use & First Time in JuVie 
21:08 - Meth Addiction & The Incarceration Cycle 
27:18 - Surviving Overdoses & Reaching Rock Bottom 
33:14 - A Son’s Request & Entering Treatment 
41:16 - Rebuilding Life in Sober Living 
46:17 - Finding Purpose with End Overdose 
53:13 - What 5 Years of Sobriety Restored 
❓ Questions the Video Answers:
How do generational cycles of gang involvement impact youth mental health? 
What leads a young person into early substance use? 
How does trauma and suppressing emotions contribute to substance use disorder? 
What is the emotional impact of entering juvenile hall as a child? 
How can family dynamics complicate an individual's struggle with substance use? 
What are the warning signs of severe meth and heroin addiction? 
How does a parent's addiction impact their relationship with their child? 
What role do 12-step treatment programs play in long-term recovery? 
How does sober living help individuals transition back into society? 
What does frontline overdose prevention training involve? 
How can Narcan and Naloxone education save lives at music festivals? 
How do you rebuild self-worth and identity after incarceration? 
How can someone break the stigma surrounding mental health and addiction recovery? 
#AddictionRecovery #SobrietyStories #MentalHealth

Michelle Chubb shares her powerful story of overcoming alcohol, Molly, and cocaine dependency through Indigenous cultural reconnection and motherhood.
Michelle Chubb (known online as Indigenous Baddy) opens up about her journey through substance dependency, party culture, and social anxiety. Growing up between her reservation and Winnipeg, Manitoba, she faced childhood bullying, cultural disconnect, and systemic isolation before turning to heavy alcohol use, MDMA, and cocaine to feel outgoing. Realizing the toll substance use was taking on her self-worth, Michelle and her partner chose sobriety together. By reconnecting with her Cree and Ojibwe heritage, jingle dress dancing, and traditional ceremonies, she found deep spiritual healing, authentic confidence, and a mission to break generational trauma for her daughter.
Find mental health and addiction treatment near you: https://recovery.com/
In this inspiring episode of Recoverycast, Michelle discusses how cultural healing and community support became core pillars of her addiction recovery and relapse prevention. From navigating heavy binge drinking and party drug dependency to finding her voice as a viral content creator and TEDx speaker, her story offers hope for anyone seeking mental health healing, trauma recovery, and sobriety stories rooted in identity and resilience.
Subscribe to Recoverycast for more real stories of hope, leave a comment sharing your thoughts on Michelle's journey, and share this video with someone who needs encouragement today!
⏱️ Chapters:
00:00 – Intro
03:12 – Welcome Michelle Chubb
04:00 – Growing Up on the Reservation vs. the City
08:08 – Facing Childhood Bullying & Cultural Isolation
13:57 – Binge Drinking & Using Substances to Mask Anxiety
16:07 – Escalating to Molly, Cocaine & Party Culture
21:23 – The Turning Point: Choosing Sobriety with Her Partner
22:52 – Reconnecting with Indigenous Culture & Jingle Dancing
27:20 – Becoming "Indigenous Baddy" & Navigating Fame
32:10 – Motherhood, Breaking Generational Cycles & Final Advice
❓ Questions the Video Answers:
How does reconnecting with cultural identity support addiction recovery?
What are effective strategies to stop binge drinking and party drug use?
How can couples support each other when choosing sobriety together?
What role do traditional Indigenous ceremonies play in mental health healing?
How do you overcome social anxiety without using alcohol or drugs?
How do you walk away from toxic friendships when getting sober?
What are the signs of healing from generational trauma?
How can jingle dress dancing aid in spiritual and emotional healing?
What is the connection between childhood bullying and substance dependency?
How can parents break generational cycles for their children?
How do you build authentic confidence in recovery?
What advice helps someone take the first step toward sobriety?
#AddictionRecovery #SobrietyStories #IndigenousBaddy

America’s Next Top Model winner India Gants reveals her raw struggle with severe alcohol dependency, toxic relationships, and her path to sobriety. 
Find mental health and addiction treatment near you: https://recovery.com/
In this open and inspiring episode of Recoverycast, America's Next Top Model Cycle 23 winner and host of The Sober Scoop podcast, India Gants, shares her vulnerable recovery journey through alcohol dependency, abusive relationships, and modeling industry pressures. After relying on alcohol as a coping mechanism during COVID isolation and navigating a toxic partner, India experienced a terrifying physical health warning—upper right abdomen pain signaling potential liver damage. Realizing that drinking herself to death was not her destiny, she made the empowering decision to quit drinking cold turkey and embrace sober living without waiting for a catastrophic rock bottom. 
India discusses why she chooses not to label herself an alcoholic, the traps of attempting to moderate alcohol use, and how removing alcohol helped her lose 50 pounds naturally while reclaiming her physical and mental health. From hiding beer in her purse and drinking "hair of the dog" in the morning to breaking free from toxic modeling standards, India's sobriety story offers practical advice and hope for anyone seeking alcohol rehab options, mental health healing, or a supportive sober community. If you or a loved one are struggling with alcohol abuse, hidden drinking habits, or relationship trauma, this episode provides the encouragement you need to start your recovery journey today. 
Be sure to subscribe, leave a comment with your thoughts, and share this video with someone who needs hope!
⏱️ Chapters:
00:00 – Intro
05:42 – Welcome India Gants
07:06 – Life Before Modeling & Discovered at 14
08:42 – Choosing Empowerment Over Labels
11:43 – Toxic Relationships & COVID Alcohol Dependency
23:06 – Physical Health Warnings & Fear of Liver Damage
26:29 – Quitting Drinking Cold Turkey & The Myth of Moderation
33:48 – Reclaiming Health & 50-Pound Weight Loss Journey
40:26 – Unrealistic Body Standards in the Modeling Industry
44:23 – Finding Hope & Creating The Sober Scoop Community
❓ Questions the Video Answers:
How can alcohol dependency develop in secret during isolation? 
What is "hair of the dog" drinking and why is it harmful? 
Can you quit drinking alcohol without identifying as an alcoholic? 
What are early physical warning signs of alcohol-related liver damage? 
Why is moderating alcohol consumption often harder than quitting completely? 
How does quitting alcohol impact physical health and weight loss? 
How do toxic relationships contribute to problematic drinking? 
Is it safe to quit drinking cold turkey? 
How do you navigate body image pressure in the modeling industry? 
Why do people hide their drinking from loved ones? 
How can you find motivation to stop drinking before hitting rock bottom? 
What role does alcohol play in masking ADHD symptoms? 
How do you rebuild your relationship with your body after getting sober? 
What are the benefits of finding a sober community in recovery? 
How do you transition from secret drinking to sharing your sobriety journey? 
#AddictionRecovery #SobrietyStories #AlcoholFree