The Devine Salerno Podcast

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

Daniel Okodo - The Devine Salerno Podcast No. 14

🎙️ Daniel Okodo - The Devine Salerno Podcast No. 14 In this powerful episode, Devine Salerno sits down with Daniel Okodo — a driven young entrepreneur, part owner of Empower Recovery and Empower Re-entry, and founder of multiple businesses including Primary Electrical Services and KSX Services. Daniel shares his incredible journey of recovery (over two years strong), building a full life after struggle, and staying grateful through the hustle of entrepreneurship. They dive deep into Daniel’s vision for his upcoming podcast — blending passionate conversations, craft coffee vibes, food, music (jazz, lo-fi, neo-soul, electronic), and that intimate, intentional energy of serving people good energy and good eats. From music industry stories and live performance magic to cultural connections and staying passionate about what lights you up, this one is full of real talk, inspiration, and forward momentum. If you’re into raw stories of recovery, entrepreneurship, personal growth, and building something meaningful, this episode is for you. Timestamps: 00:00 - Intro & Welcome 01:04 - Who is Daniel Okodo? Businesses & Current Life 02:24 - Recovery Journey (2+ Years Clean) & Gratitude 04:22 - Vision for His New Podcast (Coffee, Food, Music & Vibes) 07:30 - Music Passion: Jazz, Live Shows & Industry Stories 13:22 - Food, Intention & Elevated Culture 17:49 - Spirituality, Faith & Church Life 23:58 - How Devine & Daniel First Met + Early Recovery 30:39 - The Dark Past: Dealing, Arrest & Rock Bottom 46:31 - Getting Clean & Early Sobriety Struggles 55:00 - Building Multiple Businesses in Recovery 01:10:00 - Future Vision, Helping Others & Final Advice 01:18:20 - Outro & Calls to Action 👉 Follow Daniel Okodo & stay tuned for his new show! 👉 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 2nd, 2026 All Rights Reserved - Ledger Media Company | The Devine Salerno Podcast #DevineSalernoPodcast #DanielOkodo #Episode14 #RecoveryJourney #EntrepreneurLife #LedgerMediaCompany #PersonalGrowth #MusicAndVibes #HustleAndRecovery #DenverEntrepreneur

Vida Elekovic - The Devine Salerno Podcast No. 13

🎙️ Vida Elekovic - The Devine Salerno Podcast No. 13 In this episode, Devine sits down with Vida Elekovic — a 23-year-old Serbian entrepreneur who moved to America 10 years ago and became a business owner by age 19-20. Vida shares her journey building a custom signage company (Me on Neon / Worldwide Signage), running sober living homes, the influence of her serial entrepreneur family, and raw stories from her past. From growing up in Serbia, navigating immigration twists, to scaling multiple businesses and turning personal challenges into purpose-driven work — this is a powerful conversation about hustle, family influence, resilience, and building something real. Plus, she made the sick custom sign for the set! 👉 Follow Vida & check out her work: Meon Neon / Worldwide Signage (custom signs, channel letters, large format & more!) Instagram: @meonsigns TikTok: @meonsigns YouTube: @meonneon [https://studio.youtube.com/channel/UCo8rgnnvv3jlUuaU2wYMtsw] https://www.meonneon.com [https://www.meonneon.com] 👉 Follow Devine: Snapchat: @devinesalerno Instagram: @thedevinesalerno TikTok: @thedevinesalerno Facebook: "The Devine Salerno Podcast" All Right Reserved Ledger Media Company 2026 If you enjoyed the episode, drop a like, comment your biggest takeaway, and subscribe for more raw conversations with real people who’ve been through it. New episodes dropping regularly! #DevineSalernoPodcast #Entrepreneur #SignageBusiness #SoberLiving #ImmigrantStory #YoungEntrepreneur