Homeless in a Salt Lake City Winter … Then the Cartels Showed Up

Send us Fan MailEpisode 45: Jason Coombs on That Sober Guy Podcast with Shane RamerA wide-ranging conversation on recovery, faith, fatherhood, identity, and the daily work of staying sober.In this episode, you’ll hear:How a legitimate injury and pain pills turned into a life-consuming spiralThe collapse of an OxyContin supply chain and why heroin surged nextWhat it’s like to survive homelessness in a brutal winterThe moment a text from Jason’s mom disrupted a suicidal night“The gift of volition” and why lasting change has to become personalA simple reflection practice that builds momentum instead of shameThe difference between the “smaller story” and the “larger story”A faith-rooted decision framework: study it out, choose, then take it to GodWarrior Heart Retreat and the three pillars that wake a man’s heart up againHow Jason now supports families who feel exhausted, scared, and aloneTimestamps[01:00] Crossover episode intro: That Sober Guy Podcast with Shane Ramer[01:43] Year-end reflection: journaling victories and lessons[08:11] Emotionally shut down, risk-taking, anxiety/ADHD self-medicating[12:05] The OxyContin ring and the spiral that followed[16:06] Homelessness, felony charges, surviving winter on the streets[17:21] Court-mandated treatment, five rehabs, psychosis before sobriety[23:07] The text from Mom that interrupted a suicidal moment[24:26] “Volition”: why internal motivation outlasts external pressure[26:13] From selling hot dogs to a calling to help families[30:26] Stepping out of the smaller story into the larger story[36:10] 12 Steps as a pathway to conscious contact and guidance[40:37] Decision-making: study it out, choose, take it to God[44:32] Warrior Heart pillars: battle, adventure, beauty[52:14] Retreat impact: stripping the crust, restoring identity[56:50] Resources for families: book, podcast, free toolsQuotes worth revisiting“External pressure can work for a season. Internal motivation is what lasts.”“You don’t just get out of the hole. You get outfitted to climb.”“A plan beats panic. Support beats isolation.”Resources mentionedBrick House Recovery: https://www.brickhouserecovery.com/Unhooked (book): https://a.co/d/0dqd21uTWarrior Heart Retreat: https://awarriorheart.com/That Sober Guy Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/that-sober-guy-podcast/id887845353For families who feel stuckIf you love someone who’s struggling, you’re not powerless and you’re not the cause. You may not be able to control their choices, but you can change how you show up, create healthier conditions, and get support for your own nervous system, boundaries, and peace.Gentle noteThis episode includes discussion of addiction, homelessness, and suicidal moments. If you or someone you love is in immediate danger, call local emergency services right now. In the U.S., you can also dial or text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.If this episode helped, please follow, rate, and leave a review. It helps more people find hope and practical toolsSupport the showJoin Jason Coombs LIVE each week for tips and tricks and LIVE Q&A’s. Go to https://www.liveunhooked.com/live-unhooked. For information about treatment services visit https://www.brickhouserecovery.com/For more information about Warrior Heart Bootcamp for men visit www.awarriorheart.comhttps://awarriorheart.com/$100 DISCOUNT CODE for Warrior Heart = 2026Brick100To learn more about the women’s retreat, Heart of a Woman: https://theheartofawoman.net/$100 DISCOUNT CODE for Heart of a Woman = 2026Brick100