Get a Grip Podcast

Louis Essig and Aaron Garnes
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Get a Grip Podcast is hosted by Louis Essig and Aaron Garnes, both in recovery from addiction and alcoholism. In each episode, they share their unfiltered stories of overcoming addiction, time in prison, and struggles with mental health—mixing raw honesty with humor. The podcast gives a voice to the underdog, breaking down the stigma surrounding addiction and recovery. Through candid conversations and real-life experiences, Louis and Aaron inspire others on their journey, showing that while recovery is challenging, it’s possible. Tune in for laughter, hope, and stories of transformation.

  1. 8 hr ago

    I Had 78 Felonies, Did 7 Years in Prison & Fought Crack & Gambling Addiction | Ep 202

    In this episode of Get a Grip Podcast, Louis Essig and Aaron Garne's sit down for a raw conversation about growing up around addiction, crack cocaine, prison, gambling, and finding a new way to live. Their guest shares how his life spiraled from cocaine and crack addiction into a criminal lifestyle that eventually led to 78 felony convictions and a seven-year prison sentence. He opens up about getting his first prison number, serving time in six different prisons, and what it was really like inside Noble Correctional Institution during some of its worst years. He also shares just how far his crack addiction took him, including some unbelievable stories from the streets and the craziest thing he ever found in a car. After years of addiction, crime, and incarceration, he eventually found a way to get sober and start rebuilding his life. But recovery came with new challenges. He talks about working security, getting away during a traffic stop, wild situations he encountered on the job, and battling another addiction—gambling. From sneaking into casinos to nearly falling back into destructive patterns, this episode is a reminder that addiction can take many different forms.This is an honest conversation about addiction, incarceration, second chances, gambling, and what it takes to finally change your life. 🔥 Expect emotion. Expect truth. Expect hope. 🔔 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, a more on our Link Tree below! Get a Grip Social Media Links: ⁠https://linktr.ee/officialgetagrippodcast For Collaboration and Business inquiries, please use the contact information below: 📩 Email: getagrippodcast614@gmail.com 👇 Let us know your thoughts in the comments. #getagrip #redemptionstory #mentalhealth #mentalhealthawareness #addictionrecovery #recoveryjourney #trauma #childhood #oxy #dealer #soberlife #wedorecover #childhoodtrauma #healing #inspiration #awareness #kingpin #trafficking #hustle #opioidcrisis #neardeathexperience #fyp #prison #bar #mistake #change #survivor #survival #tv #television #inspire #parole #officer #school #teacher #students #study #student #changinglivesdaily

    I Had 78 Felonies, Did 7 Years in Prison & Fought Crack & Gambling Addiction | Ep 202

  2. 2 days ago

    How My Fentanyl Addiction Turned Into Xylazine Addiction | Ep 201

    In this episode of Get a Grip Podcast, Louis Essig and Aaron Garnes sit down with Briana Noda for a raw and deeply personal conversation about growing up around addiction, becoming a mother, fentanyl and heroin addiction, xylazine, incarceration, and finding a way into recovery. Briana opens up about her childhood and what it was like growing up with addiction in her family. She shares how both of her parents struggled with drugs and how her grandfather was involved in selling cocaine. Despite everything around her, Briana had plans to join the Navy—until she found out she was pregnant. Her story continues with prescription painkillers, becoming a mother, and eventually moving back in with her father. Briana describes how her drug use progressed and the first time she experienced fentanyl pills, including taking an entire 30mg pill and losing consciousness. From there, Briana's addiction escalated from fentanyl pills to heroin. She explains why she preferred snorting heroin over injecting it, the brutal reality of withdrawal, and eventually moving to Florida in an attempt to escape the cycle. But moving didn't solve the problem. Briana found herself using heroin and crack in Florida while trying to survive with her boyfriend. She talks about stealing license plates, getting back to Ohio with a stolen plate, having her car towed, and eventually facing felony charges. One of the most frightening parts of Briana's story begins when she unknowingly starts using xylazine. She describes falling asleep in a car, police being called, her boyfriend falling asleep while driving, and eventually experiencing severe xylazine withdrawal after going to jail. Briana also shares the terrifying experience of suffering what appeared to be a seizure and ending up in the emergency room, as well as the charges her boyfriend faced involving xylazine. After years of addiction, legal trouble, dangerous situations, and withdrawal, Briana finally began moving toward recovery.This is an honest conversation about how addiction can develop within families, how quickly fentanyl and other substances can change someone's life, and what it takes to finally break the cycle. 🔥 Expect emotion. Expect truth. Expect hope. 🔔 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, a more on our Link Tree below! Get a Grip Social Media Links: ⁠https://linktr.ee/officialgetagrippodcastFor Collaboration and Business inquiries, please use the contact information below: 📩 Email: getagrippodcast614@gmail.com 👇 Let us know your thoughts in the comments. #getagrip #redemptionstory #mentalhealth #mentalhealthawareness #addictionrecovery #recoveryjourney #trauma #childhood #oxy #dealer #soberlife #wedorecover #childhoodtrauma #healing #inspiration #awareness #kingpin #trafficking #hustle #opioidcrisis #neardeathexperience #fyp #prison #bar #mistake #change #survivor #survival #tv #television #inspire #parole #officer #school #teacher #students #study #student #changinglivesdaily

    How My Fentanyl Addiction Turned Into Xylazine Addiction | Ep 201

  3. 5 days ago

    I Walked the Streets for 15 Years to Feed My Crack Addiction… Then I Lost My Children in Sobreity | Ep 201

    In this heartbreaking and powerful episode of Get a Grip Podcast, Louis Essig and Aaron Garnes sit down with Tina Lester for an incredibly honest conversation about addiction, prostitution, incarceration, recovery, and unimaginable loss. Tina's story takes us back to her childhood and the beginning of her addiction to crack cocaine. She opens up about using crack while pregnant with her son, eventually becoming involved in prostitution to support her addiction, and the dangers she faced while working the streets. Tina shares some of the most frightening experiences of her life, including an encounter with a client that left her fearing for her life and the complicated relationship between prostitutes and pimps. Her addiction and lifestyle eventually led to a prostitution charge and time in women's prison, where she experienced situations that would stay with her long after her release. At one point, Tina says she made millions of dollars as an escort—but despite the money, the lifestyle came at an enormous personal cost. After getting out of prison, she relapsed and found herself back in the cycle of addiction.Then Tina's story takes an even more devastating turn.She opens up about losing her daughter to heroin addiction and learning about her death from a nurse. She then suffered the unimaginable loss of her son, who died in a motorcycle accident while under the influence. Tina also discusses the loss of her daughter to fentanyl, including the devastating reality of drugs containing extremely high concentrations of fentanyl. The losses didn't stop there. Tina shares the pain of losing her grandson and her brother and what it was like trying to process all of that while battling addiction and eventually finding recovery. Despite everything she has experienced, Tina continues to move forward and share her story. She reflects on her years walking the streets, the consequences of addiction, the people she lost, and the lessons she hopes others can learn from her life. This is a raw story of addiction, survival, grief, and the devastating impact substance use can have on an entire family—but it's also a story about resilience and the possibility of finding a way forward. 🔥 Expect emotion. Expect truth. Expect hope. 🔔 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, a more on our Link Tree below! Get a Grip Social Media Links: ⁠https://linktr.ee/officialgetagrippodcast For Collaboration and Business inquiries, please use the contact information below: 📩 Email: getagrippodcast614@gmail.com 👇 Let us know your thoughts in the comments. #getagrip #redemptionstory #mentalhealth #mentalhealthawareness #addictionrecovery #recoveryjourney #trauma #childhood #oxy #dealer #soberlife #wedorecover #childhoodtrauma #healing #inspiration #awareness #kingpin #trafficking #hustle #opioidcrisis #neardeathexperience #fyp #prison #bar #mistake #change #survivor #survival #tv #television #inspire #parole #officer #school #teacher #students #study #student #changinglivesdaily

    I Walked the Streets for 15 Years to Feed My Crack Addiction… Then I Lost My Children in Sobreity | Ep 201

  4. 14 Aug

    My Mom Cooked Meth & I OD’d on Fentanyl at 13 | How I Survived Addiction & Abuse | Ep 200

    In this episode of Get a Grip Podcast, Louis Essig sits down with Victoria Lombardo for an incredibly raw and emotional conversation about childhood trauma, addiction, family dysfunction, abusive relationships, and finding a way forward after unimaginable loss. Victoria's story begins with a childhood surrounded by addiction and abuse. She opens up about growing up while her mother was involved in methamphetamine use and the traumatic experiences that shaped her from a young age. At just 13 years old, Victoria survived an overdose after unknowingly taking fentanyl that had been contaminated with another substance. As she got older, the trauma continued. Victoria shares disturbing experiences involving people she trusted, sexual abuse, and a suicide attempt at a Christian festival. She also discusses entering an abusive relationship and how those experiences affected her choices and her understanding of what a healthy relationship should look like. Despite everything she had been through, Victoria pursued an education in dental assisting and tried to build a future for herself. But cocaine and other drugs began taking over. She shares some unbelievable stories about using drugs with family members, selling drugs through a drive-through, and one bizarre incident involving a glove that ended up in a quesadilla and eventually in the hands of a homicide detective. Her addiction eventually became a family affair, with Victoria describing how she and members of her family were using drugs together. Meanwhile, her relationship became increasingly dangerous, including an incident where she was awakened by her boyfriend choking her and holding a gun to her head. After reaching a breaking point, Victoria's family staged an intervention—even though addiction was affecting multiple members of the family. That moment ultimately helped lead her toward treatment and recovery. But just as Victoria reached one year clean, she experienced another devastating loss: the death of her mother.Today, Victoria reflects on everything she survived, how she continues to move forward, and what she wants people struggling with addiction and trauma to know. This is a powerful conversation about survival, addiction, abuse, family, grief, and the strength it takes to rebuild your life. 🔥 Expect emotion. Expect truth. Expect hope. 🔔 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, a more on our Link Tree below! Get a Grip Social Media Links: ⁠https://linktr.ee/officialgetagrippodcast For Collaboration and Business inquiries, please use the contact information below: 📩 Email: getagrippodcast614@gmail.com 👇 Let us know your thoughts in the comments. #getagrip #redemptionstory #mentalhealth #mentalhealthawareness #addictionrecovery #recoveryjourney #trauma #childhood #oxy #dealer #soberlife #wedorecover #childhoodtrauma #healing #inspiration #awareness #kingpin #trafficking #hustle #opioidcrisis #neardeathexperience #fyp #prison #bar #mistake #change #survivor #survival #tv #television #inspire #parole #officer #school #teacher #students #study #student #changinglivesdaily

    My Mom Cooked Meth & I OD’d on Fentanyl at 13 | How I Survived Addiction & Abuse | Ep 200

  5. 12 Aug

    I Was 8 Years Sober From Heroin... Then My Doctor Prescribed Me Klonopin & I Almost Relapsed | Ep 199

    In this powerful and deeply personal episode of Get a Grip Podcast, Aaron Garnes turns the microphone around and interviews co-host Louis Essig about a chapter of his life he never expected to experience. After years of sobriety from heroin addiction, Louis thought he had put his darkest days behind him. Then he landed what he considered his dream job and was prescribed benzodiazepines (benzos). What began as a legitimate prescription quickly became something much more difficult to control. Louis opens up about the reality of benzodiazepine dependence, including the brutal withdrawal symptoms, restless legs, and the consequences that followed as his prescription began spiraling out of control. He explains how addiction can take unexpected forms—even after years of sobriety—and why being clean from one substance doesn't necessarily make someone immune to another addiction. The episode also explores how Louis' benzo use became intertwined with gambling. What started as another outlet eventually created its own set of consequences, including getting caught gambling at a Pennsylvania casino. Louis shares what it was like trying to detox from benzos on his own, the mistakes he made along the way, and the moment he realized he needed to take responsibility for what was happening. In a unique twist, Aaron flips the script and puts Louis in the interviewer's seat, forcing him to confront some difficult questions about his experience and what he wants others to learn from it. This is a brutally honest conversation about relapse, prescription medication, cross-addiction, gambling, and the reality that recovery is an ongoing journey. 🔥 Expect emotion. Expect truth. Expect hope. 🔔 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, a more on our Link Tree below! Get a Grip Social Media Links: ⁠https://linktr.ee/officialgetagrippodcast For Collaboration and Business inquiries, please use the contact information below: 📩 Email: getagrippodcast614@gmail.com 👇 Let us know your thoughts in the comments. #getagrip #redemptionstory #mentalhealth #mentalhealthawareness #addictionrecovery #recoveryjourney #trauma #childhood #oxy #dealer #soberlife #wedorecover #childhoodtrauma #healing #inspiration #awareness #kingpin #trafficking #hustle #opioidcrisis #neardeathexperience #fyp #prison #bar #mistake #change #survivor #survival #tv #television #inspire #parole #officer #school #teacher #students #study #student #changinglivesdaily

    I Was 8 Years Sober From Heroin... Then My Doctor Prescribed Me Klonopin & I Almost Relapsed | Ep 199

  6. 9 Aug

    Shooting Meth, Stealing Cars & Homeless in Cincinnati | Ep 199

    In this episode of Get a Grip Podcast, Louis Essig sits down with Catherine White for a raw and unfiltered conversation about meth addiction, life on the streets, crime, homelessness, and the difficult journey toward recovery. Catherine opens up about her childhood and the experiences that eventually led her toward substance use. When meth entered her life, things quickly began to change. She shares what happened when she progressed to shooting meth for the first time and how addiction began taking control of her decisions and relationships. Her story takes another devastating turn when her boyfriend receives a life sentence for two murders. As Catherine's addiction continued to escalate, she became involved in stealing cars, including one incident where she discovered a gun inside a stolen vehicle. She also talks about stealing from UDF and facing a felony charge as the consequences of her addiction continued to pile up. Catherine discusses her attempts at sober living and what life was really like trying to stay clean while still battling the pull of addiction. She also shares the story of leaving sober living, ending up in a rundown hotel, and stealing a running vehicle that she kept for an entire month. The conversation doesn't shy away from the realities of addiction and homelessness. Catherine talks openly about the drugs she was using, how addiction affected her life, and what it was like trying to survive while homeless in Cincinnati. Most importantly, Catherine shares where she is today and the lessons she has learned from everything she's been through. Her story is a reminder that even after addiction takes you to some of the darkest places imaginable, recovery and change are still possible. 🔥 Expect emotion. Expect truth. Expect hope. 🔔 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, a more on our Link Tree below! Get a Grip Social Media Links: ⁠https://linktr.ee/officialgetagrippodcast For Collaboration and Business inquiries, please use the contact information below: 📩 Email: getagrippodcast614@gmail.com 👇 Let us know your thoughts in the comments. #getagrip #redemptionstory #mentalhealth #mentalhealthawareness #addictionrecovery #recoveryjourney #trauma #childhood #oxy #dealer #soberlife #wedorecover #childhoodtrauma #healing #inspiration #awareness #kingpin #trafficking #hustle #opioidcrisis #neardeathexperience #fyp #prison #bar #mistake #change #survivor #survival #tv #television #inspire #parole #officer #school #teacher #students #study #student #changinglivesdaily

    Shooting Meth, Stealing Cars & Homeless in Cincinnati | Ep 199

  7. 7 Aug

    How I Became a "Career Criminal" After Meth & Heroin Took Over My Life | Ep 197

    In this episode of Get a Grip Podcast, Louis Essig and Aaron Garnes sit down with Andrew Robbins for a raw conversation about growing up in crime, meth addiction, multiple prison sentences, and what it takes to finally break free from a life on the streets. Andrew's struggles began at an early age. By just 14 years old, he was sentenced to juvenile detention for aggravated robbery, setting him on a path that would lead to years of incarceration and addiction. He reflects on how one decision after another pulled him deeper into the criminal justice system and made prison feel like a normal part of life. As he got older, drugs became a major part of that lifestyle. Andrew shares the shocking story of using an entire gram of methamphetamine the very first time he tried it, a decision that accelerated his addiction almost immediately. He opens up about his first prison sentence, the violent realities of incarceration, and some of the most unforgettable things he witnessed behind bars. Eventually, addiction escalated even further as he transitioned to intravenous drug use. Andrew discusses how much methamphetamine and heroin he was using every day, the physical and mental toll it took, and why escaping addiction felt nearly impossible. Even after serving time, the cycle continued. He explains how he found himself back in prison during the COVID-19 pandemic and what it truly means to be labeled a "career criminal." More importantly, he challenges that label by sharing how recovery gave him the opportunity to rewrite his story. Today, Andrew uses his past to encourage others who believe they're beyond saving. His message is proof that no matter how many mistakes you've made, your future doesn't have to be defined by your past. This episode is a powerful conversation about addiction, incarceration, accountability, and redemption. 🔥 Expect emotion. Expect truth. Expect hope. 🔔 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, a more on our Link Tree below! Get a Grip Social Media Links: ⁠https://linktr.ee/officialgetagrippodcast For Collaboration and Business inquiries, please use the contact information below: 📩 Email: getagrippodcast614@gmail.com 👇 Let us know your thoughts in the comments. #getagrip #redemptionstory #mentalhealth #mentalhealthawareness #addictionrecovery #recoveryjourney #trauma #childhood #oxy #dealer #soberlife #wedorecover #childhoodtrauma #healing #inspiration #awareness #kingpin #trafficking #hustle #opioidcrisis #neardeathexperience #fyp #prison #bar #mistake #change #survivor #survival #tv #television #inspire #parole #officer #school #teacher #students #study #student #changinglivesdaily

    How I Became a "Career Criminal" After Meth & Heroin Took Over My Life | Ep 197

  8. 5 Aug

    I Believe My Brother's Passing Was Covered Up... Then I Lost Myself to Coke & Perc 30's | Ep 196

    In this episode of Get a Grip Podcast, Louis Essig and Aaron Garnes sit down with Army veteran Andrew Robbins for a heartbreaking conversation about military service, family loss, addiction, and finding hope through faith and recovery.Andrew's journey began with a childhood that led him to enlist in the U.S. Army, where he hoped to build a meaningful future. During his service, a parachuting accident left him seriously injured, introducing him to prescription opioid painkillers that would unknowingly change the course of his life.After leaving the military, Andrew returned home only to discover that his brother was battling a severe heroin addiction. As his family struggled to help him, Andrew watched addiction consume someone he loved. He shares the emotional toll of opening his home to his brother, witnessing overdoses firsthand, and the financial devastation addiction caused.The conversation takes a tragic turn as Andrew recounts the disappearance of his brother, filing missing persons reports, and the agonizing months of uncertainty before his brother was finally found. He opens up about learning how his brother died, reading the toxicology report, and the overwhelming grief that followed. Unable to cope with the loss, Andrew's own addiction spiraled. Cocaine eventually gave way to counterfeit Percocet pills, and his life quickly unraveled. He discusses leaving a successful career, hitting rock bottom, and realizing he could no longer continue living the way he had. Andrew shares how faith, the support of his church community, and a commitment to recovery helped him rebuild his life after unimaginable loss. Today, he uses his experiences to encourage others who are grieving, struggling with addiction, or searching for hope.This is a powerful conversation about loss, resilience, forgiveness, and discovering purpose after tragedy. 🔥 Expect emotion. Expect truth. Expect hope. 🔔 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, a more on our Link Tree below! Get a Grip Social Media Links and Merch: ⁠https://linktr.ee/officialgetagrippodcast For Collaboration and Business inquiries, please use the contact information below: 📩 Email: getagrippodcast614@gmail.com 👇 Let us know your thoughts in the comments. #getagrip #redemptionstory #mentalhealth #mentalhealthawareness #addictionrecovery #recoveryjourney #trauma #childhood #oxy #dealer #soberlife #wedorecover #childhoodtrauma #healing #inspiration #awareness #kingpin #trafficking #hustle #opioidcrisis #neardeathexperience #fyp #prison #bar #mistake #change #survivor #survival #tv #television #inspire #parole #officer #school #teacher #students #study #student #changinglivesdaily

    I Believe My Brother's Passing Was Covered Up... Then I Lost Myself to Coke & Perc 30's | Ep 196
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Hosts & Guests

About

Get a Grip Podcast is hosted by Louis Essig and Aaron Garnes, both in recovery from addiction and alcoholism. In each episode, they share their unfiltered stories of overcoming addiction, time in prison, and struggles with mental health—mixing raw honesty with humor. The podcast gives a voice to the underdog, breaking down the stigma surrounding addiction and recovery. Through candid conversations and real-life experiences, Louis and Aaron inspire others on their journey, showing that while recovery is challenging, it’s possible. Tune in for laughter, hope, and stories of transformation.

Information

  • Creator
    Louis Essig and Aaron Garnes
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    209
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Louis Essig and Aaron Garnes
  • Show Website
    Get a Grip Podcast

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