Inside Austin's Homeless Population: Taking Action

Every day, thousands of people drive past Austin's homeless community without ever hearing the stories behind the faces

This week, friends like I Am Cricchi along with other members of the I Am Redemption community walked the streets of downtown Austin with one goal: to listen

We brought food, clothing, shoes, treats, and most importantly, our time

We sat down with men and women living on the streets to hear how they got there, the obstacles they continue to face, and what life is really like when the rest of the world keeps driving by

Their stories were raw, honest, heartbreaking, and filled with lessons many of us have never considered. From addiction and mental health struggles to impossible life circumstances, this episode shines a light on the humanity behind an issue that affects every major city in America

No matter how someone arrived on the streets, every person deserves dignity, compassion, and the opportunity to be heard

Our hope isn't simply to raise awareness. It's to inspire action. If this episode impacted you, we'd love to have you become part of the mission.

ABOUT I AM REDEMPTION

I Am Redemption is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit helping people overcome adversity through community, movement, purpose, and authentic conversation

Whether you're looking for community, want to volunteer, or simply want to take the first step toward a better life, there's a place for you here

Subscribe to our channel, follow for more, share this with someone you think this could help, comment your thoughts we want to hear from YOU!

🌐 Website: https://iamredemption.org

📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iam.redemption

❤️ Support the mission: https://iamredemption.org

🏃 Join us for our weekly community runs, monthly men's meeting, virtual community calls, volunteer opportunities, and special events

Everyone is welcome

#AustinTexas #Homelessness #IAmRedemption

This week's episode of I Am Redemption is one of our most unique and thought-provoking conversations yet

Our good friend Sheila Springer joins the show to share her incredible journey. If you've spent time with our community, you've probably seen Sheila at our Redemption Crew runs. Her love for people, community, health, and personal growth has made her a valued part of I Am Redemption

But before she found our community, Sheila was born and raised in Scientology

In this episode, we have an open, respectful conversation about what it was really like growing up in Scientology, how those experiences shaped her life, and many of the common misconceptions surrounding the Church of Scientology. Rather than relying on headlines or opinions, we hear directly from someone who lived it

We also discuss my own experience attending Narconon, a substance abuse treatment program based on the teachings of L. Ron Hubbard, and compare our perspectives on recovery, addiction, mental health, and personal responsibility

Throughout the conversation, Sheila shares her perspective on Scientology's views surrounding personal development, mental health, substance abuse, and the organization's efforts to improve the lives of its members and serve its communities. Whether you agree, disagree, or are simply curious, this episode is about listening to someone's story with respect and an open mind

At I Am Redemption, we believe people overcome adversity in many different ways. Whether that's faith, recovery, fitness, counseling, service, community, or another positive path, we support any modality that helps someone build a healthier, more purposeful life

Our mission is simple

Helping people overcome adversity through action, purpose, and community

If you enjoy conversations about overcoming adversity, addiction recovery, mental health, personal growth, resilience, faith, purpose, and the human experience, subscribe and join us every Tuesday for a new episode

Want to get involved?

🏃 Join us for our free weekly Redemption Crew runs in Austin

💻 Connect with our virtual community through our weekly online calls from anywhere in the world

🤝 Become a Mission Partner and help us reach more people through community events, outreach, and stories of redemption

❤️ Volunteer, attend an event, or find your place in the community

No matter where you are in your journey, there's a place for you here

🌐 IAmRedemption.org

Follow us on Instagram: @iam.redemption

New podcast episodes every Tuesday

Together, we're proving that no matter what you've been through, we are what comes after

Fentanyl almost became the end of Clint Lewis' story

Instead, it became the beginning of a life built on recovery, faith, and purpose

I've known Clint for years. I first met him while he was in treatment and later had the opportunity to work with him during his early recovery as we trained together in the gym. Watching his journey unfold over the years was made for meaningful conversations that you will only find on I Am Redemption

In this episode Clint opens up about:

• How prescription pills eventually led him into fentanyl addiction
• Losing his sister and carrying that grief every day
• Rebuilding his relationship with God
• Learning to become the man his family deserves
• The influence of his father and why he continues striving to follow his example
• What recovery really looks like beyond simply getting sober

If you're battling addiction, grieving someone you love, or searching for hope, this conversation has GOT YOU!

I AM REDEMPTION

We are all recovering from something

🎙 New conversations every Tuesday

🏃 Join the Redemption Crew

💻 Weekly Thursday Zoom Community

🌎 https://iamredemption.org

📸 Instagram:

/ iam.redemption

🎬 Follow Shawn:

/ iam.shawnlivingston

🎥 Subscribe for more conversations on recovery, purpose, mental health, veterans, faith and overcoming adversity

Built Different by Pain

Powered Different by Purpose

We Are What Comes After 🐐

#IAmRedemption

#Recovery

What does it take to portray a real person who is still living?

This week on I Am Redemption, we sit down with stage and screen actor Morgana Shaw, who portrays my mother, Marcia Livingston, in the upcoming feature film Price of Redemption

Morgana shares what it was like preparing for one of the most unique roles of her career, stepping into the life of someone whose story is real, whose family is real, and who would ultimately watch her performance on screen. We dive into the emotional responsibility of portraying a true story, her creative process as an actor, and the challenges of bringing authenticity to a role rooted in real life

Beyond the film, Morgana opens up about her own journey through adversity, building a career in acting, navigating life as a woman and mother, and the resilience it takes to pursue your purpose

Whether you're passionate about filmmaking, acting, true stories, personal growth, mental health, or overcoming adversity, this conversation offers a rare look behind the scenes of bringing redemption to life on screen

We Are What Comes After 🐐

ABOUT I AM REDEMPTION

I Am Redemption is a veteran founded nonprofit helping people overcome adversity through action, community, and purpose. Through powerful conversations, fitness, and authentic connection, we're proving that your past does not define your future

🌐 IAmRedemption.org

📲 Text IAR to 53555 to support I Am Redemption

Follow I Am Redemption

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iam.redemption

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IAmRedemption

#IAmRedemption #PriceOfRedemption #MorganaShaw

Despite the Jenning's last name, he earned his own story

This is The Real Struggle

Struggle Jennings is this week's guest on the I Am Redemption

Struggle had just rolled into Austin while on his Last Name Tour when we sat down and hit record

We talked about what life was really like growing up in the streets, getting involved in gangs, addiction, prison, and the road that eventually led him to redemption

We also discussed what it means to carry one of the most recognizable names in country music

Taking on the Jennings name comes with expectations, pressure, and a legacy that few people can truly understand

We spoke about becoming one of the pioneers of the country rap movement, building a career as an independent artist, life on the road, fatherhood, and welcoming a new baby girl into the world

Most importantly, we talked about redemption

What it looks like, what it costs, and why it's worth fighting for

If you've ever felt like your past was trying to define your future, this episode is for you

ABOUT I AM REDEMPTION

I Am Redemption is a community for people who have been Built Different by Pain and Powered Different by Purpose

Through conversations, community, fitness, recovery, faith, and personal growth, our mission is to help people overcome adversity and step into the person they were created to become

We Are What Comes After

📲 Follow I Am Redemption

Instagram: @iam.redemption

Facebook: I Am Redemption

🎙️ New episodes every week

#StruggleJennings #IAmRedemption #Redemption

Julie Korioth knows what it means to walk through adversity and come out the other side with purpose.

In this episode of the I Am Redemption Podcast, Julie shares her personal journey through trauma, faith, motherhood, healing, and the experiences that inspired her life’s mission of improving the mental health of our children and student athletes.

As the founder of Nui Sport, Julie is helping parents, coaches, schools, and athletes create healthier conversations around mental health, resilience, emotional wellness, and identity. What began as personal pain has become a movement dedicated to supporting the next generation before they reach a crisis point.

In this conversation, we discuss overcoming trauma, finding purpose through pain, faith and family, the growing mental health challenges facing today’s youth, student athlete mental health, building resilience, and how parents, coaches, and communities can better support the next generation.

Whether you’re a parent, coach, athlete, educator, or someone navigating your own challenges, this episode is a powerful reminder that our greatest struggles can often become our greatest source of purpose.

Built Different by Pain. Powered Different by Purpose.

Learn more about I Am Redemption at www.iamredemption.org

Text IAR to 53555 for support, community updates, and ways to get involved.

Follow us: Instagram: @iam.redemption YouTube: I Am Redemption

#IAmRedemption #JulieKorioth #MentalHealth #StudentAthletes #Purpose #Faith #Trauma #Resilience #YouthMentalHealth #WeAreWhatComesAfter

For most of his life, Nick Geoppo struggled with obesity, yo-yo dieting, and the frustration of losing weight only to gain it back. What finally led to a lasting transformation wasn't another program or fitness trend. It was a complete shift in mindset, habits, and identity.

Today Nick has lost over 110 pounds, maintained that weight loss for years, and now helps others build sustainable lifestyles that actually stick.

In this episode, Nick shares what life looked like before his transformation, how his weight affected his mental health, the obstacles he faced while trying to change, and the ongoing health challenges he continues to navigate. Shawn and Nick also dig into the surprising similarities between recovery and weight loss, why accountability matters more than motivation, and how adversity can become the foundation for purpose.

Whether you're dealing with your weight, your mindset, or just trying to become a better version of yourself, there is something in this conversation for you.

📲 Connect with Nick: @nickgeoppo on Instagram

🔥 About I Am Redemption

I Am Redemption is a nonprofit helping people build stronger lives through community, accountability, fitness, recovery, purpose, and service.

🌐 IAmRedemption.org

💛 Support the mission: IAmRedemption.org or text IAR to 53555

📍 Redemption Crew Run Club | Saturdays 7:30 AM | 515 S Pleasant Valley Rd, Austin TX 78741

💻 Weekly Redemption Zoom Meeting | Thursdays 7:00 PM CST

📸 @iam.redemption (Instagram) | @IAmRedemption (YouTube)

🎙️ About Shawn Livingston

Shawn Livingston is a U.S. Army veteran, recovery advocate, endurance athlete, speaker, and founder of I Am Redemption. After overcoming heroin addiction and homelessness, his journey was documented in 100 Miles to Redemption, following his attempt to complete the Pinhoti 100-mile ultramarathon. He uses his story and platform to help others find what comes after their hardest chapters.

I first came across Chelsea Reyes through a powerful video where she openly shared her testimony of addiction, recovery, and finding God.

Not long after, our paths crossed at an event here in Austin. Now, we sit down to hear the full story

Before becoming Coach Chelsea, before stepping on bodybuilding stages, before helping women transform their lives through fitness, she was fighting a battle with addiction and alcoholism that nearly cost her everything

Chelsea opens up about working as an exotic dancer, living lost in addiction, and the moments that forced her to take a hard look at the direction her life was heading. She shares how the love of her daughter became the wake-up call that changed everything and how finding faith gave her a foundation to rebuild her life

Today, Chelsea Reyes has become a successful fitness coach, bodybuilder, and mentor to thousands of women. But what makes her story powerful isn't the transformation you see on social media. It's the journey that got her there

This conversation is about addiction, recovery, motherhood, faith, fitness, purpose, and what happens when someone decides their past will no longer define their future

If you've ever struggled, felt stuck, battled addiction, questioned your worth, or needed proof that change is possible, this episode is for you

Follow Chelsea: 📲 Instagram: @ibuildbaddies

ABOUT I AM REDEMPTION

I Am Redemption is a community built for people who refuse to let their past define their future.Through powerful conversations, fitness, recovery, faith, leadership, and service, we bring together people who have faced adversity and chosen to turn their pain into purpose

Built Different by Pain. Powered Different by Purpose We Are What Comes After

🎙️ Hosted by Shawn Livingston

📲 FOLLOW I AM REDEMPTION

Instagram: @iam.redemption

Shawn Livingston: @iam.shawnlivingston

🌐 Website: www.iamredemption.org

💬 JOIN THE REDEMPTION COMMUNITY

✅ Weekly Redemption Meeting Every Thursday at 7:00 PM CST

✅ Redemption Crew Runs

✅ Community Events

✅ Recovery, Fitness & Personal Development

❤️ SUPPORT THE MISSION

If you'd like to help us continue creating content, building community, hosting events, and reaching people who need hope, you can support I Am Redemption here:

🌐 Donate: www.iamredemption.org

📱 Text To Give: Text IAR to 53-555

Every donation helps us expand the mission and impact more lives

#IAmRedemption #ShawnLivingston #ChelseaReyes #CoachChelsea