Get a Grip Podcast

Louis Essig and Aaron Garnes
  • 4.8 (105)
  • PERSONAL JOURNALS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

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. How I Survived Human Trafficking By 17, Getting Kidnapped and Cr4ck Addiction For 20 Years | Ep 120

    1D AGO

    How I Survived Human Trafficking By 17, Getting Kidnapped and Cr4ck Addiction For 20 Years | Ep 120

    In this powerful and unfiltered episode, Louis sits down with Angela Vroman to share the harrowing truth of her life—one marked by deep childhood trauma, crack addiction, kidnapping, and human trafficking. Angela opens up about her early years and how her father became the foundation of lasting trauma, leading to inappropriate physical relationships at a young age and a path of vulnerability. While homeless, her life took a terrifying turn when she was kidnapped, tortured, and ultimately sold for an eight ball of crack to a pimp, pulling her deeper into a world of exploitation. She recounts being introduced to crack, meeting other trafficked women, and descending into extreme addiction—smoking up to $1,500 worth of crack a day, staying awake for weeks without food, and surviving violent, chaotic encounters, including being pulled over at 4 a.m. in a bikini with drugs and waking up days later with no memory of what happened. Angela shares how she became an escort at 17, went to prison at 19, endured repeated abuse at knifepoint, and even drew the attention of the FBI while incarcerated. Despite relapses and episodes of drug-induced psychosis, Angela’s story is ultimately one of survival, recovery, and accountability through drug court. She closes the conversation by offering hard-earned advice and hope to those still struggling, proving that even after decades of addiction and trauma, recovery is 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👇 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 #changinglives

    1h 34m
  2. My Parents Were 17 Years Old, Addicted to Opiates and Cr4ck — This Is How It Shaped My Childhood | Ep 119

    5D AGO

    My Parents Were 17 Years Old, Addicted to Opiates and Cr4ck — This Is How It Shaped My Childhood | Ep 119

    In this powerful and deeply honest episode, Louis and Aaron sit down with Naveah Benton to hear her story of growing up in the shadow of addiction. Born to two teenage parents struggling with substance abuse, Naveah’s life was shaped early by chaos, instability, and trauma. She opens up about her childhood surrounded by drugs, the loss of her father to an overdose, and watching her mother’s addiction spiral further as domestic violence and destructive relationships took hold.Naveah shares moments no child should have to endure—being exposed to adult situations at a young age, witnessing her parents’ painful histories with addiction, and experiencing physical and emotional abuse firsthand. Despite everything, she reflects on how these experiences impacted her perspective, her resilience, and the lessons she’s carried forward.This episode is raw, emotional, and eye-opening, offering an unfiltered look at what happens after a child is born into addiction—and how survival, self-awareness, and hard-earned wisdom can emerge from even the darkest beginnings. Naveah closes by sharing heartfelt advice for others who may be walking a similar path.⚠️ Viewer discretion advised: This episode discusses addiction, domestic violence, and childhood trauma.🔥 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👇 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 #changinglives

    1h 1m
  3. Born With Cystic Fibrosis, Addicted to F3ntanyl, & Trapped in Human Trafficking | Ep 118

    JAN 5

    Born With Cystic Fibrosis, Addicted to F3ntanyl, & Trapped in Human Trafficking | Ep 118

    In this powerful and unfiltered episode, Louis interviews Taelor Thorton, whose life story is a stark portrait of trauma, addiction, and survival. Born with cystic fibrosis, Taelor grew up facing serious medical challenges that shaped her childhood and sense of self. By her early teens, she was already drinking, misusing prescription stimulants, and acting out in dangerous ways, including stealing her parents’ car. At the same age, she experienced a devastating sexual assault by an older man, a turning point that deepened her spiral. Taelor opens up about overdosing on insulin, graduating high school while immersed in substances like cocaine, Xanax, and Percs, and how her addiction escalated rapidly after discovering fentanyl following the death of her grandmother.As her use intensified, Taelor describes overdosing repeatedly, abandoning her cystic fibrosis and diabetes medications, and watching her weight and health collapse. She shares the reality of catching a possession charge, overdosing in a parking lot before court, and the heartbreaking barriers that kept her from traditional rehab due to her medical condition. Prison followed, and so did relapse immediately after release, pulling her into stripping, more overdoses, temporary blindness, and exposure to xylazine and its horrific physical effects. Her journey then turns even darker as she recounts traveling toward Florida, losing her belongings, being threatened with trafficking, and ultimately being picked up by a pimp who auctioned her and another woman off and sexually assaulted her. The episode culminates in Taelor’s escape, calling the police, being taken to the hospital, placed on life support, and beginning the fight for recovery. This conversation is a raw look at what it means to survive fentanyl, xylazine, crack addiction, and sexual trafficking while battling a life-threatening illness—and what it takes to keep going when survival itself feels impossible. 🔥 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👇 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 #changinglives

    1h 29m
  4. How I Went From Ballet Lessons to Stripping and M3th Addiction | Ep 117

    JAN 1

    How I Went From Ballet Lessons to Stripping and M3th Addiction | Ep 117

    In this powerful and honest conversation, Aaron and Louis sit down with Elaine Berman to unpack a life that, on the surface, looked relatively normal—but carried deep, hidden wounds beneath it. Elaine opens up about her early years in ballet, including the discipline and pressure of an extremely strict instructor, before sharing the trauma of a sexual assault she experienced at a young age. From there, she walks listeners through pivotal moments of growing up, first dates, graduating, and celebrating youth, while unknowingly stepping into patterns that would later shape her struggles.As the conversation unfolds, Elaine describes falling into relationships marked by infidelity, experimentation, and self-destruction. What begins as a spontaneous strip club audition turns into a new identity, life on stage, and exposure to the darker, addictive side of stripping. She speaks candidly about her first lap dance, substance use, and a series of intense relationships that pulled her deeper into chaos, including relapses and encounters with drugs she never imagined trying. Elaine also reflects on how these chapters eventually came to an end, what rock bottom looked like, and how she found her way into recovery. The episode closes with hope, as Elaine shares how healing, self-work, and a healthier relationship helped her begin a new chapter. This is a raw, unfiltered story of survival, consequences, and the strength it takes to rebuild. 🔥 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 👇 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 #changinglives

    1h 23m
  5. Foster Care To The Doorman Of A Trap House….How 20 Years Of H3roin Addiction Shaped My Life | Ep 116

    12/29/2025

    Foster Care To The Doorman Of A Trap House….How 20 Years Of H3roin Addiction Shaped My Life | Ep 116

    In this powerful and unfiltered interview, Charles Straley sits down with Louis and Aaron to share a life story shaped by addiction, trauma, foster care, prison, and ultimately redemption.Born to alcoholic parents and placed into foster care at a young age, Charles was forced to grow up fast—taking care of households that weren’t his, surviving violence, and navigating loss most kids couldn’t imagine. By 12 years old, he was drinking daily, catching cases, and spiraling into a life of crime that would eventually lead to prison, heroin addiction, homelessness, and repeated overdoses.This episode traces Charles’s journey from:childhood abuse and foster careearly criminal charges and incarcerationyears of alcohol and heroin addictionliving and working inside trap housesoverdosing daily and running from parole…to a turning point marked by spiritual collapse, unexpected legal grace, and ultimately rebuilding his life and gaining custody of his son.This is not just a story about addiction—it’s a story about survival, accountability, and the possibility of change, no matter how deep the bottom feels.Viewer discretion advised: This episode contains discussions of addiction, violence, incarceration, and overdose. 🔥 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👇 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 #changinglives

    1h 25m
  6. How My Brothers Death Led To A Crippling M3th & Cr4ck Addiction With A Registered S3x Offender | Ep 115

    12/25/2025

    How My Brothers Death Led To A Crippling M3th & Cr4ck Addiction With A Registered S3x Offender | Ep 115

    In this raw, unflinching conversation, Louis sits down with Mya Kiskaden to walk through a life shaped by trauma, survival, and the long shadow of addiction. Mya opens up about being sexually assaulted by her grandfather at a young age and how that early violence set her on a destructive path marked by daily drinking as a teenager and spiraling substance use. She shares the physical and emotional toll of becoming a mother far too young, enduring serious health complications, multiple surgeries during pregnancy, and the heartbreak of losing a baby years later. The loss of her brother to an overdose becomes a breaking point, followed by prescriptions that turned into dependence, a failed marriage, and a descent into depression and addiction. Mya recounts relationships with addicts and abusers, being assaulted while under the influence, chasing chaos through dating apps, and sinking deeper into cocaine, acid, crack, and meth. She describes what overdoses look like, what constant use does to the body and mind, and how love and loyalty kept her tied to a violent partner who drank heavily, beat her, trafficked her for drug money, and was later revealed to be a registered sex offender. Through stories of abuse, sleepless weeks, hospital beds, and using even on the edge of major surgery, Mya paints a dark portrait of how grief, trauma, and addiction fed each other. This episode is not easy to hear, but it is brutally honest, a testimony to how deep the fall can be and what it takes to claw your way back toward sobriety and survival. 🔥 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👇 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 #changinglives

    1h 39m
  7. Starting a Nonprofit That Got Me Locked Up: How I Went to Prison After Upsetting the VA of America | Ep 114

    12/22/2025

    Starting a Nonprofit That Got Me Locked Up: How I Went to Prison After Upsetting the VA of America | Ep 114

    In this unforgettable episode, Louis sits down with Jeremy Harrell, a U.S. military veteran whose life took a shocking and surreal turn after he returned home from serving his country. What begins as a story about service, sacrifice, and trying to do the right thing quickly unfolds into one of the most unbelievable cautionary tales you’ll ever hear.After spending time deployed in Iraq, Jeremy came home hoping to rebuild his life and continue serving—this time by helping others. Instead, he found himself fired while navigating the VA system, struggling to reintegrate, and facing the harsh realities many veterans know all too well. Refusing to give up, Jeremy did what few people would dare to do: he started a nonprofit organization aimed at making a difference where institutions had failed.The organization wasn’t fringe or ignored—it was so impactful that it was even recognized and selected by the History Channel, a moment that should have marked validation and success. But instead of praise and support, Jeremy’s nonprofit drew the attention of VA agents. What followed was almost unimaginable: he was issued a summons related to his nonprofit, charged with a Class C federal felony, and ultimately found himself incarcerated in federal prison.In this raw and eye-opening conversation, Jeremy breaks down how a veteran trying to serve his community ended up locked up by the very system meant to support him. He shares what it was like to go from Iraq to federal custody, how quickly life can unravel, and what this experience taught him about power, bureaucracy, and resilience. This is not just a story about prison—it’s about purpose, injustice, and the cost of standing up when the rules aren’t made for people like you.This is a true 1-of-1 story—one that raises serious questions about how veterans are treated, how nonprofits are policed, and how easily good intentions can turn into life-altering consequences. You won’t hear anything like this anywhere else. 🔥 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👇 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 #changinglives

    1h 48m
  8. Sobriety After Opioid Addiction & Losing Both Parents by 33... | Ep 113

    12/20/2025

    Sobriety After Opioid Addiction & Losing Both Parents by 33... | Ep 113

    In this deeply personal and powerful episode, Aaron sits down with Louis for a raw, unfiltered conversation about mental health, grief, and survival.Louis opens up about the profound impact of losing both of his parents and how that loss reshaped every part of his life. He speaks candidly about the mental health struggles that followed — from overwhelming grief and isolation to panic attacks, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts — and the quiet, exhausting battle of trying to keep going when everything feels heavy.This isn’t a polished or sugar-coated conversation. It’s an honest look at what it means to live with grief long after the world expects you to have “moved on.” Louis shares what those darkest moments felt like, how his mind turned against him at times, and how panic and fear would appear without warning. Together, Aaron and Louis explore how loss can change your sense of identity, your relationships, and your understanding of yourself.At the same time, this episode is about survival, vulnerability, and connection. Louis reflects on what helped him endure — the small moments, the people who showed up, and the slow, uneven process of learning how to live with pain instead of running from it. Aaron creates a space that allows the conversation to unfold naturally, asking thoughtful questions and holding space for honesty without judgment.This episode is for anyone who has:Experienced deep loss or griefStruggled with anxiety, panic attacks, or intrusive thoughtsFelt alone in their mental health journeyNeeded to hear that they are not broken for feeling the way they do⚠️ Content Warning: This episode includes discussions of mental health struggles, suicidal ideation, grief, and panic attacks. Please take care while watching and step away if you need to.If this conversation resonates with you, know that you’re not alone. Talking about mental health openly matters — and sharing stories like Louis’s can help break the silence that keeps so many people suffering quietly.If you or someone you know is struggling right now, consider reaching out to a trusted person or a mental health professional. In the U.S., you can call or text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. If you’re outside the U.S., local crisis resources are available in many countries.💬 Let us know in the comments what this episode meant to you, and consider sharing it with someone who might need to hear it.❤️ If you found this conversation meaningful, like, subscribe, and join us for more honest discussions that matter.🔥 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👇 Let us know your thoughts in the comments.

    45 min
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Hosts & Guests

4.8
out of 5
105 Ratings

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
    121
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Louis Essig and Aaron Garnes
  • Show Website
    Get a Grip Podcast

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