From Under the Bridge to a Life of Purpose | Matthew’s 35-Year Journey Through Addiction and Recovery.

For 35 years, Matthew lived in the grip of addiction. Alcohol, drugs, homelessness, broken relationships, jail, shame, and isolation became his reality. His darkest moments were spent living under a bridge, convinced he was beyond saving and hoping he simply wouldn’t wake up the next morning.

Today, nearly nine years sober, Matthew shares the story of how everything changed. In one of the most powerful conversations on Got a Light?, Matthew opens up about childhood trauma, growing up with an addicted father, the need for acceptance that fueled his addiction, and how isolation nearly killed him. He explains why addiction was never really about alcohol or drugs—it was about trying to escape himself.

Together, Rich and Matthew explore the themes that connect nearly every recovery story: shame, loneliness, identity, purpose, faith, surrender, and the healing power of genuine human connection.

Rather than offering easy answers, Matthew shares the difficult lessons learned through decades of pain and how those same experiences have become the foundation for helping others find hope.

If you’ve ever struggled with addiction, loved someone who has, or simply wondered how someone can rebuild a life after losing everything, this conversation is for you.

Because no matter how dark the night becomes, there is always a light waiting to be found.