Asa Wilson has been arrested more than 60 times across five states. Today she's the Executive Director of FAVOR Lowcountry and the Training & Education Coordinator for Oxford House, and she's changing what recovery looks like in South Carolina.Asa grew up in Moncks Corner in a home where partying was normal and "what goes on in this house stays in this house." She was drinking by 10 and running with a gang by 17. After years in and out of jail, a drug court judge gave her one more chance. Eight women in an Oxford House then "loved her until she could love herself."In this conversation we talk about:- Growing up as an empath in a home shaped by addiction- How EMDR therapy is helping her heal childhood trauma, and why it isn't for early recovery- Generational trauma and the Southern culture of silence- The drug court moment that changed everything- Finding her first job right where her old life happened- Growing Lowcountry Oxford Houses from 14 to 46- What a Recovery Community Organization (RCO) is and why it matters- Bringing peer support inside the county jail, and her vision for every jail in SCIf you're struggling, or love someone who is, Asa's message is simple: don't give up, and let people love you until you can love yourself.Everyone, everywhere deserves a fighting chance at recovery.Content note: This episode includes discussion of childhood sexual abuse, violence, substance use, and the loss of a child.CHAPTERS00:00 Meet Asa Wilson00:57 Growing up in Moncks Corner05:44 Childhood trauma and fear14:52 What EMDR is revealing25:06 Drug court and generational trauma32:32 A daughter at 17 and finding "family"45:00 60+ arrests: "You couldn't tell me I had a problem"53:55 Losing everything59:21 Gentrification in North Charleston1:11:00 How Asa finally found recovery1:16:49 Oxford House and a "God wink"1:24:13 Finding spirituality1:26:32 Losing her daughter1:29:01 Becoming a peer support specialist1:36:37 What is an RCO? Building FAVOR Lowcountry1:42:14 Peer support inside the jail1:55:21 A message if you're considering recoveryNEED HELP NOW?SAMHSA National Helpline (free, confidential, 24/7): 1-800-662-4357988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: call or text 988Find an Oxford House: oxfordhouse.org📺 Watch the full video on YouTube: https://youtu.be/KMxdlbHYeQ4?si=iyke1QrtKbT7tBKu🌐 DMAF website: www. dmafpodcast.com🛍️ Merch: https://dmafpodcast.myshopify.com/Follow Do Me A Favor for new episodes every week.

Avery Elliott grew up as the hearing son of a single deaf mother — which meant that by age 8, he was the one interpreting phone calls, doctor visits, and even his mom's dates. That forced responsibility came at a cost: a childhood he never fully got to have, and a young adult who chased the opposite extreme the second he was on his own.In this episode, Avery takes us through it all — the divorce that split his family, the culture clash of growing up half in the hearing world and half in Deaf culture, a short-lived stint in the Army, a DUI that cost him his license for a full decade, and a slide into alcohol, meth, cocaine, and ecstasy that nearly cost him everything. He gets brutally honest about the restaurant industry's culture of substance use, the "backwards logic" that kept him drinking, and the moment he finally called his sister and knew nothing would ever be the same again.Today, Avery is the founder of RAAD (Recovery Advocates for Adult Deaf) — an organization built to close one of the most overlooked gaps in the recovery world. Deaf people are twice as likely to develop substance abuse disorder, representing an estimated 3+ million people nationwide, yet resources built for them are almost nonexistent. Avery is on a mission to change that — building bridges between the Deaf community, the hearing world, and the recovery space, one connection at a time.This is a conversation about responsibility forced on a child too soon, the long road through addiction, and what it looks like to turn your pain into a mission that serves the people who need it most.🎙️ Learn more about RAAD (Recovery Advocates for Adult Deaf) and how you can help: https://www.raadusa.org/🙏 SUBSCRIBE for new full-length episodes every week and daily clips across all platforms.📲 Follow Do Me A Favor Podcast: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61561411538472 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DoMeAFavor-SC Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4jSvFmwLJ8kiXs53QlfOIy?si=9796107f2ffd4d86 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/domeafavorsc/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@domeafavorsc 🛍️ Shop the DMAF merch store 💛 Support the show / donate✉️ Join our email list: dmafpodcast.comIf this episode hit home, do us a favor — share it with someone who needs to hear it, and leave a review. It genuinely helps us reach more people.#recovery #addiction #DMAF #RecoveryCommunity #DeafCommunity

For 19 years, Jamie Hendricks believed addiction was simply who she was. Today, she has been sober for seven years and helps women and children walk through addiction treatment and into recovery.Jamie’s story began in a loving Christian home, but the expectations placed on her as a pastor’s daughter contributed to an identity she eventually began living out. After losing her grandmother at 21, alcohol became a way to stop feeling. Cocaine followed, then methamphetamine, pills, IV drug use, toxic relationships, repeated incarceration, and years separated from her children.She reached a point where she openly told people, “I’m a junkie, and I’m always going to be a junkie.”Then Jamie spent her 39th birthday in the Greenville County Detention Center. After years of cycling in and out of jail, four months behind bars finally forced her to confront the life she was living.In this episode of the DMAF Podcast, Jamie shares the unfiltered truth about addiction, motherhood, shame, unhealthy relationships, incarceration, faith, and rebuilding a life she once believed was beyond repair.Jamie opens up about:Growing up as an adopted pastor’s daughterLosing her grandmother and using alcohol to escape griefProgressing from alcohol to cocaine and methLeaving her children with family while she remained in active addictionLiving through 19 years of substance useBecoming addicted to the lifestyle as well as the substancesIV drug use and dangerous polysubstance useGetting married while so impaired that she could not remember itConfusing jealousy, obsession, and violence with loveTurning 39 inside the Greenville County Detention CenterRebuilding trust with her children and familyDiscovering who she was without addiction or a relationshipMeeting her husband through the recovery communityFinding faith through daily prayer and surrenderBecoming a peer support specialistHelping mothers remain with their children during treatmentProviding person-centered, trauma-informed recovery supportHer dream of creating transitional housing for women and childrenJamie’s recovery did not erase her past. It gave her a way to use that past in service of someone else.The woman who once wondered whether she would have fought for her own children now fights alongside mothers who are trying to recover without losing theirs. Her greatest regret became part of her purpose.Today, Jamie is a wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, recovery professional, and woman of faith. Her titles have changed because her life has changed.Her message is simple:“If there is hope for me, there is hope for you. Recovery is possible.”If Jamie’s story connected with you:👍 Like this episode💬 Tell us what part of her transformation stayed with you📤 Share it with someone who needs hope🔔 Subscribe to DMAF for more honest conversations about addiction, recovery, mental health, faith, and personal transformationOr visit our website: dmafpodcast.comThe DMAF Podcast shares personal experiences for educational and inspirational purposes. This content is not a substitute for professional medical, mental health, or substance-use treatment.#AddictionRecovery #RecoveryIsPossible #MethRecovery #WomensRecovery #Sobriety #SoberLife #RecoveryStory #FaithInRecovery #MotherhoodAndAddiction #TraumaInformedCare #PeerSupport #NarcoticsAnonymous #DMAF #YourStoryMatters

On December 21, 2015, he walked into an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting with almost nothing left. A few strangers welcomed him, handed him a book and gave him enough hope to make one more sober decision. That meeting became the beginning of an entirely different life.In this powerful episode of the Do Me A FAVOR Podcast, Derek shares his complete addiction recovery story—from smoking marijuana and drinking at a young age to selling drugs at school, being kicked out of military school, attending Arizona State University, blacking out, facing a felony charge and watching his life slowly collapse.Derek also discusses:Growing up with an alcoholic fatherUsing drugs and alcohol to escape insecurity, shame and painBeing kicked out of a fraternity for drinking too muchExperiencing blackouts, jail, probation and homelessnessPraying to a God he did not believe inWhy court-ordered AA initially had no effect on himThe meeting that finally broke through his denialChoosing sober living instead of returning to his old lifestyleDiscovering faith through willingness rather than religionThe importance of sponsorship, fellowship and the 12 StepsReplacing isolation with service and genuine connectionBuilding a recovery community in Greenville, South CarolinaWhy identity, community and purpose are essential in recoveryBecoming a husband, father, mentor and source of hopeRebuilding his relationship with his father after both found sobrietyOne of the most powerful reminders from this conversation is that nobody is beyond recovery. Derek’s father lived under a bridge and in the woods for years, but eventually found sobriety and was able to hold his grandson on Christmas Day.If you have lost your job, your home, your relationships or your belief that life can improve, your story does not have to end there.“There’s still hope if you’re alive.”Recovery often begins with one honest admission:“My way isn’t working. I need help.”Watch this episode until the end for an honest conversation about alcoholism, drug addiction, AA, spirituality, surrender, service, family healing and the unexpected life that can grow from complete desperation.If this conversation helped you:👍 Like the episode💬 Comment with the message that stood out to you📤 Share it with someone who needs hope🔔 Subscribe to the DMAF Podcast for more honest conversations about addiction, recovery, mental health and personal transformationThe DMAF Podcast shares real experiences for educational and inspirational purposes. This content is not a substitute for professional medical, mental-health or substance-use treatment.#AddictionRecovery #RecoveryIsPossible #Sobriety#Recovery #Alcoholism #AlcoholicsAnonymous #AARecovery #12Steps #SoberLife #AddictionStory #FaithInRecovery #MentalHealth #PersonalTransformation #RecoveryPodcast #DMAFPodcast

Fashion mogul and designer Walker M. sits down with Nate to share his alcoholism recovery story — a raw conversation about sobriety, AA, 12-step recovery, spirituality, and learning to live without fear.Walker built a high-flying career as a creative director in New York City's fashion and design world, only to lose it to alcoholism. He opens up about growing up in an alcoholic family, drinking at 16, the ego and insecurity hidden behind a glamorous exterior, prescription pain medication after back surgery, relapse, and the spiritual shift that helped him move from fear to faith — and launch his own brand, MARYN.If you're new to recovery, sober curious, attending AA meetings, supporting someone with alcohol use disorder or substance use disorder, or looking for hope in addiction recovery, this conversation is for you.In this episode we cover:- What alcohol seemed to "solve" before it stopped working- The difference between not drinking and emotional sobriety- Why meetings, community, and 12-step recovery matter- How fear, shame, ego, and insecurity show up in addiction- How faith, prayer, and a higher power changed Walker's recovery- Rebuilding purpose, career, and creativity through MARYNComment below: What helped you move from fear to hope in recovery?Subscribe for more recovery stories, sobriety conversations, mental health discussions, and honest interviews about addiction recovery, AA, sober living, and finding purpose after substance use.Connect with Walker & MARYN:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maryncompanyWebsite: https://maryncompany.comIf you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, alcohol, or thoughts of suicide, please reach out to a trusted person, a local recovery community, or crisis support in your area. You are not alone — recovery is possible.#Recovery #Sobriety #AlcoholismRecovery #AddictionRecovery #SoberLife #AARecovery #12StepRecovery #RecoveryPodcast #EmotionalSobriety #FaithInRecovery #MentalHealth #RecoveryCommunity #SoberLiving #GreenvilleSC #SoberCurious

At just 13 years old, Dawn McKay was introduced to meth by her own mother. What followed was a journey through substance use, homelessness, incarceration, losing her children, overdose—and eventually rebuilding a life she once couldn't imagine.In this powerful episode of the Do Me A FAVOR Podcast, Dawn shares the unfiltered story of growing up in a chaotic home in South Carolina where substance use, violence, instability, and unresolved generational trauma became normalized.Meth was the first drug Dawn ever tried.Years of chaos followed.She became a mother as a teenager, lost her own mother, struggled with methamphetamine and later opioids and heroin, experienced homelessness and incarceration, and eventually lost custody of her children.At her lowest point, Dawn was using intravenously every few hours just to function.Then came May 21, 2019.After using black tar heroin, Dawn lost consciousness. She remembers waking up on the side of the road underneath a white sheet while first responders worked to save her. She was later told she'd been unresponsive for an extended period and received multiple doses of Narcan.She had reached a crossroads.But this isn't only a story about how far addiction took her.It's about what happened next.Dawn shares how recovery, medication-assisted treatment (MAT), sober living, peer support, faith, and a community of people willing to stand beside her helped her begin rebuilding her life.She fought to regain custody of her children. She rebuilt her relationship. She became a homeowner. And eventually, her story came full circle.The woman who once sat outside a hospital begging for help eventually returned to the hospital as a peer support professional—helping other people find treatment, resources, connection, and hope.In this conversation, we explore:• Being introduced to meth at 13• Childhood trauma and generational patterns• Losing her mother• Teen motherhood• Methamphetamine, opioids, and heroin• IV drug use and overdose• Homelessness and incarceration• Losing custody of her children• Treatment and sober living• Medication-assisted treatment (MAT)• Stigma surrounding different pathways of recovery• Fighting to reunify with her children• Faith and finding purpose• Becoming a Certified Peer Support Specialist• Working with patients in hospitals and emergency rooms• Boundaries and burnout in helping professions• Turning lived experience into a career helping othersDawn went from walking the streets homeless and fighting to survive to helping people in the same hospitals where she once desperately needed help herself.Her story is a powerful reminder that the worst chapter of someone's life doesn't have to become the final one.🎙️ DMAF Podcast shares honest conversations about recovery, mental health, trauma, relationships, faith, personal growth, and the experiences that shape who we become.If Dawn's story speaks to you, Like, Comment, Subscribe, and Share this episode. You never know who may need to hear it today.💬 What part of Dawn's story stayed with you the most?#TrueStory #AddictionRecovery #MentalHealth #RecoveryStory #DMAF #DawnMcKay #TrueStory #AddictionRecovery #MethAddiction #RecoveryStory #OverdoseSurvivor #MentalHealth #ChildhoodTrauma #PeerSupport #MAT #Sobriety #PersonalGrowth #SecondChances #Hope #DMAF

Have you ever looked like everything was okay on the outside while secretly falling apart inside?In this powerful episode of the Do Me A FAVOR Podcast, Joel shares his deeply personal story of battling suicidal thoughts, anxiety, depression, church hurt, workplace burnout, and overwhelming pressure—all while appearing successful to everyone around him.As the son of a pastor, Joel grew up carrying expectations that shaped the way he viewed himself, relationships, faith, and mental health. After years in ministry, painful experiences with church leadership, career setbacks, medication side effects, and mounting anxiety pushed him closer to suicide than anyone around him realized.What ultimately helped him find hope?In this honest conversation, Joel shares:✔️ His battle with suicidal ideation✔️ How anxiety silently took over his life✔️ Why medication wasn't the complete answer✔️ The impact of church hurt and religious trauma✔️ The role community played in saving his life✔️ How EMDR therapy helped him heal from trauma✔️ Lessons every husband, father, leader, and believer needs to hear✔️ Why mental health struggles don't mean you've lost your faithJoel also shares how his darkest season inspired him to create Stay, a suicide prevention initiative designed to help people reach out before it's too late.Whether you've personally struggled with depression, know someone battling suicidal thoughts, or simply want to better understand mental health, this conversation offers hope, practical insight, and encouragement that healing is possible.If this episode encouraged you, please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and SHARE it with someone who needs hope today.💜 New conversations every week featuring addiction recovery, mental health, faith, personal growth, and stories of hope.Topics CoveredSuicide PreventionSuicidal ThoughtsDepressionAnxietyChurch HurtPastor's Kid ExperienceChristian Mental HealthEMDR TherapyWorkplace BurnoutTrauma RecoveryFaith and HealingMen's Mental HealthMental Health RecoveryHope After DepressionCommunity and Connection#SuicidePrevention #MentalHealth #Depression #Anxiety #MensMentalHealth #ChurchHurt #ChristianMentalHealth #EMDR #TraumaHealing #Faith #Hope #SuicidalThoughts #MentalHealthAwareness #HealingJourney #Recovery

Getting sober didn't solve everything.For David Rackley, sobriety was only the beginning of a much deeper journey.In this powerful episode of the Do Me A FAVOR Podcast, David shares his raw story of addiction, alcoholism, treatment, relapse, faith, Alcoholics Anonymous, emotional sobriety, and discovering that removing substances doesn't automatically heal the pain underneath.Together, we explore what happens after the drugs and alcohol are gone—the battle with ego, self-hatred, unhealthy relationships, identity, spirituality, and learning how to live with honesty, humility, and purpose.David opens up about:Growing up and the path into addictionMethamphetamine and alcohol addictionMultiple treatment centers and failed attemptsHitting rock bottomSuicide ideation and finding hopeFaith, spirituality, and Higher PowerAlcoholics Anonymous and the 12 StepsEmotional sobriety vs. physical sobrietyWhy sobriety alone wasn't enoughSelf-deception, ego, and victim mentalityHealing relationships and becoming a fatherLearning to stop causing harmFinding purpose through helping othersWhether you're in recovery, love someone who is, work in behavioral health, or you're simply searching for hope and personal growth, this conversation offers honest insight into what lasting transformation really looks like.If this conversation encourages you, please Like, Subscribe, and Share to help us continue spreading hope and meaningful conversations.🎙️ Do Me A FAVOR Podcast exists to reduce stigma, inspire hope, and create honest conversations about addiction, recovery, mental health, faith, and transformation.#Recovery #Sobriety #AddictionRecovery #MentalHealth #Healing #PersonalGrowth #AlcoholicsAnonymous #Faith #Transformation #Hope #DoMeAFAVORPodcast #RecoveryJourney #EmotionalSobriety #SecondChances #Podcast