Dustin Chavez - The Devine Salerno Podcast No. 19

Dustin Chavez - The Devine Salerno Podcast No. 19

Dustin Chavez - The Devine Salerno Podcast No. 19 In this raw and motivating episode, Devine sits down with Dustin Chavez — a former show promoter, street hustler, and 25-year addict who turned his life around after 2 years in prison. Now 4+ years clean and sober, Dustin serves as the Director of Workforce Development at Empower Recovery Homes in Denver, where he builds vocational programs and fights hard to get justice-involved men and women real job opportunities. Dustin opens up about the music industry grind (including working with Baby Bash), the party lifestyle that masked deep addiction, building (and almost burning) relationships, and the harsh reality of how the system builds cases while you think you're getting away with it. He shares powerful insights on recovery, personal responsibility, the importance of work in staying sober, and why relationships are everything — both in the streets and in building a new life. From creating job programs for women in recovery, balancing hustle with integrity, to lessons learned from mentors and the music game, this conversation is packed with street wisdom, accountability, and practical hope for anyone in reentry or fighting addiction. Timestamps: 00:00 - Intro & Welcome to Episode 19 01:33 - Dustin's Current Role at Empower Recovery Homes 03:20 - Challenges Getting Women Jobs in Recovery 05:30 - Introducing Himself: 4 Years Clean & Background 08:45 - Music Career, Baby Bash & the "Show Business" Reality 12:10 - Addiction, Street Hustle & Burning Bridges 16:40 - Prison Time & the Wake-Up Call 21:00 - Transition into Recovery Work & Vocational Programs 26:30 - Building Relationships & Opportunities Post-Recovery 32:15 - Leadership, Workforce Development & Helping Others 38:50 - Lessons from the Music Industry Applied to Life 45:20 - Accountability, Humility & Personal Growth 52:10 - Advice for Those Still Struggling 58:45 - The Power of Work + Recovery Balance 1:05:30 - Future Vision for Empower & Second Chances 1:12:40 - Closing Thoughts & Motivation 👉Connect with Dustin: Dustin@empowerrecoveryhomes.com [Dustin@empowerrecoveryhomes.com] 👉 Follow Devine: Snapchat: / devinesalerno Instagram: / thedevinesalerno TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/thedevinesalerno/ [https://www.tiktok.com/thedevinesalerno/] Facebook: / thedevinesalernopodcast X: https://www.x.com/westdevine4tay/ [https://www.x.com/westdevine4tay/] thedevinesalernopodcast.com [http://thedevinesalernopodcast.com] 👉 Follow Ledger Media Company: TikTok: @ledgermediacompany Instagram: @ledgermediacompany ledgermediacompany.com [http://ledgermediacompany.com] 👉 Follow Gold Standard Recovery: Search “Gold Standard Recovery” or visit goldstandarddenver.com [http://goldstandarddenver.com] 👉 Support Empower Recovery Homes: IG: @empowerrecoveryhomes empowerrecoveryhomes.com [http://empowerrecoveryhomes.com] Episode Recorded May 18th, 2026 All Rights Reserved - Ledger Media Company | The Devine Salerno Podcast 🔔 Subscribe for new episodes every week and turn on notifications. 👍 Like if this episode spoke to you. Search “Dustin Chavez - The Devine Salerno Podcast” on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and everywhere else! Drop a like, comment, and subscribe if these redemption stories hit home. Real talk for the culture. #Recovery #Reentry #WorkforceDevelopment #Sobriety #RedemptionStory #TheDevineSalernoPodcast #AddictionRecovery

John Cupich - The Devine Salerno Podcast No. 18

John Cupich - The Devine Salerno Podcast No. 18 In this episode, Devine sits down with John Cupich — a seasoned clinical addiction and behavioral health professional with over 20 years in the field and deep lived experience in recovery. John shares his journey from Omaha, Nebraska to Denver in the late '80s, building a family, navigating the American dream, and confronting alcoholism that led him into treatment and long-term sobriety. From growing up in a large Croatian family with roots in a domestic violence home, to finding independence, starting college, skiing the slopes, and eventually rediscovering his path through recovery, John's story is full of raw honesty, resilience, and wisdom. They dive into topics like breaking cycles, building your own identity, the power of lived experience in helping others, and what true recovery looks like in practice. Whether you're in recovery, supporting someone who is, or simply looking for inspiration on personal growth and overcoming challenges, this conversation delivers hope, practical insights, and real talk from two men walking the walk. 👉Connect with John: Johncupich@empowerrecoveryhomes.com [Johncupich@empowerrecoveryhomes.com] 👉 Follow Devine: Snapchat: https://www.snapchat.com/devinesalerno/ [https://www.snapchat.com/devinesalerno/] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedevinesalerno/ [https://www.instagram.com/thedevinesalerno/] TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/thedevinesalerno/ [https://www.tiktok.com/thedevinesalerno/] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thedevinesalernopodcast/ [https://www.facebook.com/thedevinesalernopodcast/] X: https://www.x.com/westdevine4tay/ [https://www.x.com/westdevine4tay/] thedevinesalernopodcast.com [http://thedevinesalernopodcast.com] 👉 Follow Ledger Media Company: TikTok: @ledgermediacompany Instagram: @ledgermediacompany ledgermediacompany.com [http://ledgermediacompany.com] 👉 Follow Gold Standard Recovery: Search “Gold Standard Recovery” or visit goldstandarddenver.com [http://goldstandarddenver.com] 👉 Support Empower Recovery Homes: IG: @empowerrecoveryhomes empowerrecoveryhomes.com [http://empowerrecoveryhomes.com] Episode Recorded May 20th, 2026 All Rights Reserved - Ledger Media Company | The Devine Salerno Podcast 🔔 Subscribe for new episodes every week and turn on notifications. 👍 Like if this episode spoke to you. Search “John Cupich - The Devine Salerno Podcast” on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms! 🎙️ Follow for more raw redemption stories, recovery journeys, and real conversations that matter. #Recovery #AddictionRecovery #Sobriety #PersonalGrowth #RedemptionStory #TheDevineSalernoPodcast

Shay Kirkness - The Devine Salerno Podcast No. 17

From the streets of Billings, Montana to co-owning a recovery company in Denver — Shay Kirkness delivers one of the most raw, powerful, and inspiring redemption stories you’ll hear. In this episode, Devine Salerno sits down with Shay Kirkness — recovery coach, APRS facilitator, and co-founder of Driven Recovery alongside her husband JD. Shay opens up about her traumatic upbringing, how the DARE program ironically introduced her to the drug game, her rise as a female drug dealer in a violent world, escalating addiction to methamphetamine and fentanyl, multiple overdoses, prison time, and the health crisis that finally forced her to choose life. She shares how she walked miles in full withdrawal to a methadone clinic, cut off everyone and everything toxic, and rebuilt her life from the ground up. Today she’s helping others — especially new moms in recovery — through groups and building Driven Recovery with purpose and empathy. Listen until the end. Share this with someone who needs to hear it. And drop a comment below — which part of Shay’s story hit you the hardest? 👉 Subscribe for more unfiltered redemption stories and real conversations 🔔 Turn on notifications so you never miss an episode 👍 Like & Comment — your support helps these stories reach the people who need them most Shay Kirkness: “The most gangster thing I ever did was get sober.” 👉Connect with Shay:: https://www.instagram.com/soberisgangster/ [https://www.instagram.com/soberisgangster/] 👉 Follow Devine: Snapchat: https://www.snapchat.com/devinesalerno/ [https://www.snapchat.com/devinesalerno/] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedevinesalerno/ [https://www.instagram.com/thedevinesalerno/] TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/thedevinesalerno/ [https://www.tiktok.com/thedevinesalerno/] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thedevinesalernopodcast/ [https://www.facebook.com/thedevinesalernopodcast/] X: https://www.x.com/westdevine4tay/ [https://www.x.com/westdevine4tay/] thedevinesalernopodcast.com [http://thedevinesalernopodcast.com] 👉 Follow Ledger Media Company: TikTok: @ledgermediacompany Instagram: @ledgermediacompany ledgermediacompany.com [http://ledgermediacompany.com] 👉 Follow Gold Standard Recovery: Search “Gold Standard Recovery” or visit goldstandarddenver.com [http://goldstandarddenver.com] 👉 Support Empower Recovery Homes: IG: @empowerrecoveryhomes empowerrecoveryhomes.com [http://empowerrecoveryhomes.com] Episode Recorded June 1st, 2026 All Rights Reserved - Ledger Media Company | The Devine Salerno Podcast 🔔 Subscribe for new episodes every week and turn on notifications. 👍 Like if this episode spoke to you. Hashtags #ShayKirkness #DevineSalernoPodcast #RecoveryStory #AddictionRecovery #Redemption #FentanylRecovery #BillingsMontana #DrivenRecovery #SoberIsGangster #TraumaToTriumph #RecoveryCoach #LivedExperience #BeyondTheBarriers

Christian Rebaza - The Devine Salerno Podcast No. 16

Christian Rebaza - The Devine Salerno Podcast No. 16 In this raw and powerful episode of The Devine Salerno Podcast, Devine sits down with Christian Rebaza — a man whose life has been marked by international roots, family challenges, addiction, loss, and an inspiring path to recovery and service. Born in Honduras to a Peruvian father and a mother from Colorado, Christian shares his unique journey: early embassy struggles, family road trips through Central America, cultural identity, street life, and the battles with substance abuse that nearly broke him. He opens up about hitting rock bottom, the power of sobriety, rebuilding relationships, and now helping others through recovery work. This conversation is filled with honest talk on resilience, faith, cultural heritage, redemption, and what real change requires. If you're walking your own path of recovery or just need an authentic story of overcoming hardship, this episode delivers. Presented by Ledger Media Company. Timestamps: 00:00 - Intro & Welcome 01:16 - Christian Rebaza Introduction 03:01 - Christian's Clean Date & Losing His Mother 04:38 - Early Recovery Struggles & Tools That Helped 07:08 - Joining Empower Recovery Homes 08:26 - The Gift of Desperation & Rock Bottom Moment 11:28 - What Made Empower Different 13:28 - Past Incidents & Avoiding Prison 15:00 - Substance Use History & Family Impact 18:35 - Giving Up Daughter for Adoption 21:00 - Hustling to Get Family Out of Homeless Shelter 27:58 - Born in Honduras: Family Background & Cultural Roots 31:00 - Childhood Instability, Foster Care & Moving Around 34:55 - Juvenile Trouble, Probation & Boot Camp 39:40 - Resentments Toward Dad & The Four Agreements 51:14 - Travel Stories & Cultural Experiences in Central America 58:30 - Faith, Recovery Tools & Helping Others 01:10:00 - Current Life in Recovery & Peer Support Work 01:20:00 - Final Thoughts & Closing 👉Connect with Christian: Christian.Rebaza@empowerrecoveryhomes.com [Christian.Rebaza@empowerrecoveryhomes.com] 👉 Follow Devine: Snapchat: @devinesalerno Instagram: @thedevinesalerno TikTok: @thedevinesalerno Facebook: "The Devine Salerno Podcast" X: @westdevine4tay thedevinesalernopodcast.com [http://thedevinesalernopodcast.com] 👉 Follow Ledger Media Company: TikTok: @ledgermediacompany Instagram: @ledgermediacompany ledgermediacompany.com [http://ledgermediacompany.com] 👉 Follow Gold Standard Recovery: Search “Gold Standard Recovery” or visit goldstandarddenver.com [http://goldstandarddenver.com] 👉 Support Empower Recovery Homes: IG: @empowerrecoveryhomes empowerrecoveryhomes.com [http://empowerrecoveryhomes.com] Episode Recorded May 12th, 2026 All Rights Reserved - Ledger Media Company | The Devine Salerno Podcast 🔔 Subscribe for new episodes every week and turn on notifications. 👍 Like if this episode spoke to you. 💬 Comment below: What part of Christian’s story resonated with you the most? #DevineSalernoPodcast #ChristianRebaza #RecoveryJourney #Sobriety #ComebackStory #PersonalGrowth #LedgerMediaCompany #PeerRecovery

Sparkle Lindsay - The Devine Salerno Podcast No. 15

🎙️ Sparkle Lindsay - The Devine Salerno Podcast No. 15 In this powerful and inspiring episode, Devine Salerno sits down with Sparkle Lindsay — motivational speaker, author, recovery coach, and founder of Sparkle LLC and Phoenix Rising Coaching University. Sparkle shares her incredible journey from addiction and adversity to building a thriving coaching business centered on lived experience, leadership, growth, and helping others find their light. From pioneering her unique approach in the coaching space to creating a "home" for coaches who want to get busy while taking care of themselves, this conversation is full of raw truth, hope, and practical wisdom. If you're on a recovery journey, building a purpose-driven business, or simply need motivation to keep pushing forward, this episode is for you. Key Topics: Overcoming addiction and transforming your life Building a coaching business from the ground up The power of lived experience in helping others Phoenix Rising Coaching University & Sparkle LLC Faith, resilience, and shining your light Timestamps: 0:00 Introduction & Welcome 1:32 Sparkle Lindsay Joins the Show 2:53 Sparkle Introduces Herself & Sparkle LLC 3:55 Early Coaching Journey & Lessons Learned 4:16 Doors Slammed Shut & Being Humbled 5:45 The Real Work: Self-Development as a Coach 7:20 "Legs to the Table" Metaphor & Personal Story 9:10 Building from Lived Experience in Recovery 11:30 Transition from HR/Corporate to Entrepreneurship 13:50 Small Business Development Course & Pioneering 16:20 Challenges of Creating Something New 20:00 7 Years in Recovery & Celebrating Milestones 23:45 Authenticity, Burnout & Coach Support 27:30 Founding Sparkle LLC as a Hub for Coaches 32:10 Phoenix Rising Coaching University Vision 36:40 Helping Coaches Avoid Compassion Fatigue 41:00 Power of Lived Experience in Coaching Others 46:20 Faith, Resilience & Shining Your Light 51:30 Practical Advice for New Coaches & Entrepreneurs 56:40 Community, Leadership & Pouring Into Yourself 1:02:00 Personal Growth Stories & Transformations 1:08:20 Overcoming Adversity & Motivation 1:14:50 Final Thoughts & Key Takeaways 1:20:45 Closing Remarks 1:22:27 Farewell & Outro 👉Connect with Sparkle Lindsay: Website: https://www.sparklelindsay.com/ [https://www.sparklelindsay.com/] Sparkle LLC & Phoenix Rising Coaching University 👉 Follow Devine: Snapchat: @devinesalerno Instagram: @thedevinesalerno TikTok: @thedevinesalerno Facebook: "The Devine Salerno Podcast" X: @westdevine4tay thedevinesalernopodcast.com [http://thedevinesalernopodcast.com] 👉 Follow Ledger Media Company: TikTok: @ledgermediacompany Instagram: @ledgermediacompany ledgermediacompany.com [http://ledgermediacompany.com] 👉 Follow Gold Standard Recovery: Search “Gold Standard Recovery” or visit goldstandarddenver.com [http://goldstandarddenver.com] 👉 Support Empower Recovery Homes: IG: @empowerrecoveryhomes empowerrecoveryhomes.com [http://empowerrecoveryhomes.com] Episode Recorded April 15nd, 2026 All Rights Reserved - Ledger Media Company | The Devine Salerno Podcast New episodes drop regularly. Make sure to subscribe, turn on notifications, and drop a comment with your biggest takeaway from this episode! 👇 #SparkleLindsay #RecoveryCoach #MotivationalSpeaker #PhoenixRising #DevineSalernoPodcast #OvercomingAddiction #LifeCoaching #PersonalGrowth