Behind the Citgo

In this episode of Behind the Citgo, Josh sits down with Emma Long, Director of the ARROW Program — Addiction Response and Rediscovering One’s Worth — to discuss addiction recovery inside the jail system, Moral Reconation Therapy, reentry planning, and the life-changing power of second chances. Emma shares how the ARROW Program helps individuals in the detention center take responsibility, rebuild self-worth, develop healthier thinking patterns, and prepare for life after incarceration. This conversation explores the real challenges people face when leaving jail, including housing, employment, stigma, community support, relapse prevention, and the need for strong recovery resources. If you care about addiction recovery, criminal justice reform, opioid recovery, jail reentry programs, faith-based recovery, recovery housing, reducing recidivism, or community-based recovery support, this episode offers a powerful look at what it takes to help people rebuild their lives. #BehindTheCitgo #AddictionRecovery #RecoveryPodcast #ReentryProgram #MoralReconationTherapy #MRT #ARROWProgram #SecondChances #FaithBasedRecovery #OpioidRecovery #CriminalJusticeReform #RecoveryCommunity #SubstanceUseRecovery #LifeAfterIncarceration #WeDoRecover

In this powerful episode of Behind the Citgo, Josh Torbich sits down with Nick and Tiffany to share a deeply honest story of addiction, recovery, marriage, faith, forgiveness, and transformation through Jesus Christ. Nick came to Brunswick Christian Recovery Center in 2016 after multiple failed attempts at getting sober. He arrived with little hope, believing he could not become the husband, father, or man his family needed. Tiffany, his wife, had spent years living through the fear, chaos, heartbreak, and uncertainty that addiction brings into a family. She wanted to save him, but eventually came to the painful realization that she could not. This conversation explores the reality that addiction is not only an individual struggle; it is a family illness. Nick and Tiffany open up about relapse, broken trust, fear of overdose, emotional exhaustion, boundaries, forgiveness, and what it looked like for both of them to encounter God in different but equally life-changing ways. From Nick’s time at Brunswick Christian Recovery Center, to Tiffany learning how to release control and pursue her own relationship with Christ, their story is a testimony of what can happen when human strength runs out and God steps in. Today, nearly ten years later, they are still walking in recovery, marriage, parenthood, ministry, and purpose. This episode is for anyone in addiction recovery, anyone married to someone struggling with addiction, family members trying to help a loved one, and anyone wondering whether real change is still possible. #AddictionRecovery #ChristianRecovery #RecoveryTestimony #FaithBasedRecovery #MarriageRestoration #FamilyHealing #SubstanceUseRecovery #JesusChangesLives #BehindTheCitgo #BrunswickChristianRecoveryCenter

In this episode of Behind the Citgo, we sit down with Christy Spivey, Chief Nursing Officer at Novant Health Brunswick Medical Center, for a powerful conversation about breaking the revolving door of ER visits, improving community health, and building real partnerships around substance use disorder, mental health, and whole‑person care. Christy shares her journey from bedside nurse to CNO, the realities of emergency medicine, and why the ER—though open 24/7—is not designed to solve every crisis. We dig into collective impact, the importance of cross‑agency collaboration, and how Novant is working to create remarkable patient experiences while navigating the growing pressures on emergency departments. We also explore: Why many people end up in the ER for non‑emergencies How unmet social drivers of health complicate care The role of community paramedicine in reducing unnecessary ER visits How hospice and in‑home care models prevent avoidable crises The need for clear, accessible public education about where to seek help How recovery programs and hospitals can partner without creating system strain This episode is a masterclass in community health, systems thinking, and compassionate leadership.

Fourteen and Locked Up — The Story of Isaiah   At just 14 years old, Isaiah overdosed in a parking lot, ran from police, and experienced what he describes as a divine intervention that pushed him back into consciousness. That moment began a long cycle of juvenile detention, addiction, fatherlessness, instability, and eventually prison — all before the age of 20.   In this episode of Behind the Citgo, Isaiah shares his journey with a clarity and honesty that cuts straight through the noise. We explore:   Growing up without a father and the pressure to “be the man of the house”   Early childhood instability, bullying, and being pulled out of school at age seven   Searching for belonging in gangs, older crowds, and street life   His first overdose at 14 and the moment he believes God intervened   Ten+ arrests, multiple juvenile programs, and over two years in prison   How faith, mentorship, and structure helped him rebuild his identity   Earning leadership roles, completing education, and finding purpose behind bars   Isaiah’s story is a raw look at how environment, trauma, and fatherlessness shape a young person’s path — and how redemption is still possible for those willing to confront their past.   This episode is for anyone who cares about youth intervention, addiction recovery, criminal justice reform, faith‑based transformation, and second chances. #BehindTheCitgo #Recovery #Addiction #YouthRecovery #Fatherlessness #JuvenileJustice #PrisonReform #Testimony #Faith #Redemption #Trauma #SecondChances #NorthCarolina #RealStories  

What actually changes a community? In this episode, Commissioners Mike Forte and Marty Cooke sit down to talk about the power of citizen‑led solutions and why government works best as a guardrail, not the driver. Both commissioners share openly about addiction, recovery, personal responsibility, and second chances, including Forte’s 40 years of sobriety and Cooke's decades of public service. Together, they trace the grassroots origins of Christian Recovery Centers, the volunteers who built it from fourteen beds in the cornfields, and the network of community‑driven efforts that followed: drug court, the Anchor Initiative, Narcan access, and nearly 200 sheriff’s office volunteers. The heart of the conversation: Brunswick County thrives because its people lead — and government comes alongside, not above. If you care about recovery, community leadership, or the future of Brunswick County, this episode hits deep. #BehindTheCitgo #BrunswickCounty #RecoveryCommunity #CitizenLedChange #AddictionRecovery #ChristianRecoveryCenters #PublicServants #CommunityLeadership #HopeInAction #GrassrootsImpact #NorthCarolinaStories #CultureShift #SecondChances #PersonalResponsibility #RecoveryJourney

Josh sits down with Jeremy Gunn — business owner, community leader, and a powerful advocate for second‑chance hiring — for one of the most honest conversations we’ve had on Behind the Citgo. Jeremy opens up about his six‑and‑a‑half‑year sobriety journey, the moment of clarity that changed everything, and how that transformation reshaped the way he leads his company today. This episode digs into what recovery really requires beyond treatment: meaningful employment, mentorship, structure, accountability, and a community that refuses to give up on people. Jeremy breaks down his approach to hiring individuals coming out of recovery programs, the systems he uses to support them, and the unexpected challenges of leading a workforce filled with people fighting for a new life. From workplace culture to relapse cues, from leadership philosophy to redemption, this conversation is a masterclass in compassionate business ownership and believing in people before they believe in themselves. If you care about recovery, leadership, second chances, or building healthier communities, this episode hits with depth, honesty, and heart. #BehindTheCitgo #RecoveryCommunity #SecondChanceHiring #AddictionRecovery #SobrietyJourney #Leadership #WorkforceDevelopment #RecoveryFriendlyWorkplace #HumanDevelopment #CommunityBuilding #TransformationStory #RedemptionIsReal #RecoveryPodcast #LifeAfterAddiction #HopeInAction #AccountabilityAndGrace #RealRecovery #SecondChances #HealingJourney #RecoverySupport

What does real change look like when justice, accountability, and recovery collide? In Episode 16, we sit down with Raymond Wood, Senior Chaplain of the Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office and Director of the Brunswick County DWI Drug Court Program — a leader who has been serving this community long before most people knew what “recovery work” really meant. This conversation dives into the heart of what actually transforms people inside the justice system: what judicial compassion looks like in real life why accountability is not punishment — it’s a lifeline how structure, routine, and evidence‑based treatment create the turning point the truth about motivation, relapse, and long‑term recovery stories of mothers, fathers, and families who rebuilt their lives through the hardest seasons Raymond breaks down the core philosophy behind the program: “We can’t make anyone recover. But we can give them every tool, every opportunity, and every reason to choose a different road.” If you’ve ever wondered how real transformation happens inside a DWI Drug Court, how people rebuild after addiction, or what hope looks like at the intersection of justice, faith, and recovery — this episode is your blueprint. #BehindTheCitgo #DrugCourt #RecoveryJourney #BrunswickCounty #AddictionRecovery #JudicialCompassion #AccountabilityAndGrace #EvidenceBasedTreatment #SecondChances #DWIRecovery #FaithAndRecovery #CommunityHealing #TransformationJourney #NorthCarolinaRecovery #ReentrySuccess #ChooseRecovery #RecoveryStories #HopeAndHealing

Four people in recovery sit down for a raw, honest conversation about what relapse really looks like — mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. They break down the subtle warning signs, the isolation, the ego, and the internal battles that start long before the first use. You’ll hear real stories of mental relapse, dangerous self‑talk, fantasizing the “first blast,” and the moments when community steps in and refuses to let someone disappear. One guest said, “I relapsed before I ever left the house.” Another shared, “People were banging on my door. They wouldn’t let me die in silence.” This episode is for anyone in relapse, afraid to come back, supporting a loved one, or searching for hope and purpose. If you need a reminder that your story isn’t over, this conversation is for you. #BehindTheCitgo #RecoveryJourney #RelapsePrevention #AddictionRecovery #FaithAndRecovery #SoberCommunity #HopeAndHealing #YouAreNotAlone

Three seasoned leaders in Christian recovery sit down for one of the most honest conversations you’ll hear about the real cost of helping people rebuild their lives. From setting healthy boundaries to navigating betrayal, burnout, spiritual warfare, and the emotional weight of leadership, this episode goes straight to the heart of what it means to serve on the front lines. Wes, Jim, and Josh share what it truly looks like to lead men out of addiction while carrying their own burdens. They unpack why helping hurts sometimes, how to discern between a wolf, a goat, and a sheep, and why boundaries protect not just leaders—but entire communities. They also open up about the hidden battles leaders often face in silence: unrealistic expectations, depression, loss, and the pressure to carry more than God ever asked them to. As Wes vulnerably shared, “I experienced some suicidal depression… I knew it was spiritual warfare. I just needed someone to pray with me out of it.” This episode is for anyone in ministry, recovery leadership, nonprofit work, or anyone who wants a deeper understanding of the beauty and burden of walking with people through transformation. Raw. Honest. Necessary. #BehindTheCitgo #HardestLessonsInRecovery #RecoveryLeadership #ChristianRecovery #FaithBasedRecovery #AddictionRecovery #Boundaries #MinistryLife #BurnoutPrevention #SpiritualWarfare #LeadershipLessons #NonprofitLeadership #FaithAndHealing #Testimony #HopeInChrist #WeDoRecover #ChristianPodcast #RecoveryPodcast #ServantLeadership #HealingJourney

In this powerful conversation, Josh sits down with Dr. Gary Nelson to explore self governance as a pathway to freedom — in families, communities, and in personal recovery. Drawing from decades of global work in community systems, Dr. Nelson breaks down why true self governance begins not with self‑interest, but with serving the aspirations of others. As he says in the episode, “Self governance rightly understood… means not starting with me, but starting with you.” Together, they unpack how modern culture has drifted toward transactional self‑interest, why dependence is often created by design, and how reclaiming responsibility restores dignity and purpose. Dr. Nelson shares stories from Romania, South Carolina, and his own life that illuminate the universal human desire for meaning, trust, and community. “We know better than we do,” he reminds us — a call to return to the values that make freedom possible. This episode is a deep dive into the intersection of faith, science, recovery, and community transformation — and why the pursuit of who we want to become matters more than the circumstances we face today. #SelfGovernance #CommunityBuilding #RecoveryJourney #AddictionRecovery #FaithAndScience #ReciprocalAltruism #PersonalFreedom #LeadershipDevelopment #VeteranRecovery #BehindTheCitgo #GaryNelson #PurposeDrivenLife #CommunityHealing #SystemsChange #PathwayToFreedom

🎙️ Episode 12: Honorably Discharged Into Addiction — with Jason Gaver Behind the Citgo Podcast In this powerful episode, we sit down with Navy veteran Jason Gaver for a raw, unfiltered conversation about what so many service members silently battle after coming home. Jason opens up about the emotional crash that follows honorable service — the loss of identity, the overwhelming shift from military structure to civilian life, and how addiction becomes an easy escape when purpose suddenly disappears. From running a flight deck crew in one of the most dangerous environments in the world… to standing in a Walmart asking for a job… to navigating a society that has no idea what you’ve carried or survived… Jason’s story exposes the invisible wounds veterans bring home and the resilience required to rebuild from the ground up. He shares the moment everything changed — when his wife looked at him and said, “No more. You gotta do something.” And the next morning, he walked into the VA and said the hardest words of his life: “I need help.” We also explore: Why veterans are so vulnerable to addiction after discharge The collapse of community and identity after leaving the military The pressure to “just be normal” when nothing feels normal How PTSD, anxiety, and isolation fuel substance use The lifesaving power of veteran‑to‑veteran connection How service dogs like Woodro help veterans regulate anxiety and emotional overload If you’re a veteran, love a veteran, or want to understand the challenges they face, this is an episode you won’t forget.

Discover how communities are being reshaped, families strengthened, and individuals empowered at every stage of life. In this inspiring episode, human services leader Karen Calhoun—with more than 30 years of experience—shares how ASPIRE evolved into a breakthrough intervention for social services, marginalized youth, and people in recovery. From reducing foster care placements to helping young adults earn trade certifications, to supporting individuals rebuilding their lives after addiction, ASPIRE offers a powerful, evidence‑informed pathway to well‑being, agency, and long‑term success.   ⭐ What You’ll Learn in This Episode How ASPIRE reduced foster care entries and strengthened family stability The customized model that helped marginalized youth (ages 16–24) earn HVAC and electrical certifications How ASPIRE was redesigned to support recovery, motivation, self‑efficacy, and holistic health Why blending faith, science, and community leadership drives lasting transformation Karen Calhoun’s journey shaping human services across North Carolina If you’re passionate about community impact, leadership, recovery, youth empowerment, or faith‑informed practice, this conversation will resonate deeply. #ASPIRETool #SocialServices #YouthEmpowerment #RecoveryJourney #FaithAndScience #HumanServices #FosterCarePrevention #AddictionRecovery #CommunityImpact #LeadershipDevelopment #Wellbeing #MotivationAndMindset #SpiritualHealth #BehavioralHealthcare #ProsperousLife #PodcastEpisode #FaithBasedRecovery

Mike Guzman breaks down the truth behind the “Club Fed” myth and opens up about the spiritual, moral, and psychological unraveling that led him into the federal justice system. In this raw and revealing conversation, Mike shares how prison—despite the pain it caused his family—became the adversity he needed to reset his life, return to his Christian foundations, and confront what he calls a deep “poverty of spirit.” At the height of his success, Mike had everything: a strong marriage, a healthy family, financial stability, and no history of addiction or criminal behavior. But beneath the surface, he was drifting—slowly and quietly—away from the man he knew he was meant to be. In this clip, he reflects on how small compromises stacked up over time, how “getting away with it” became its own punishment, and why the judge in his case felt compelled to deliver a harsher sentence because Mike “knew better.” This episode challenges the misconception that white‑collar prison is easy. Mike describes the surreal moment of standing before a federal judge for the first time in his life—after 25 years without even a speeding ticket—and hearing fire‑and‑brimstone consequences delivered from the bench. His story is a powerful reminder that accountability, humility, and spiritual grounding matter long before the consequences arrive. If you’re drawn to redemption stories, criminal justice reform, faith‑based transformation, or the psychology behind the choices we make, this conversation offers a rare, honest look inside a journey most people never hear about. #TheMythOfClubFed #MikeGuzman #PrisonReform #RedemptionStory #FaithAndFailure #ChristianTestimony #DecisionMaking #WhiteCollarCrimes #SpiritualGrowth #PodcastClips #LifeLessons #Accountability #TransformationJourney #OvercomingAdversity #FederalPrisonReality

A night of partying. A traffic stop. An arrest that changed everything. In Episode 008 of Behind the Citgo, Jes White shares the powerful, unfiltered testimony of how hitting rock bottom became the doorway to recovery, faith, and a completely transformed life. When her mother made the heartbreaking decision to let police take her in, Jes had no idea that moment would lead her to the Anchor Initiative—and ultimately to a life‑changing encounter with Jesus. Jes opens up about the stigma surrounding Christian recovery programs, the difference between religion and real relationship, and how surrendering her self‑will brought a freedom she never expected. Her story is raw, honest, and full of hope for anyone wondering whether true transformation is possible. If you’ve battled addiction, wrestled with faith, or questioned whether God still meets people in their darkest moments, this episode will speak directly to you. #ChristianRecovery #AddictionTestimony #FaithBasedRehab #AnchorInitiative #SobrietyStory #JesusInRecovery #SpiritualTransformation #ChristianPodcast #RecoveryJourney #TestimonyTuesday #FaithStory #OvercomingAddiction #RedemptionStory #BehindTheCitgo #JesWhite

A First Responder’s Truth: Steve Barger on Trauma, Addiction, and the Alarming Shift in Our Schools Steve Barger has spent his life serving others—commanding first responders, answering crisis calls, and carrying the weight of moments most people never witness. In this deeply personal interview, Steve shares the story behind the uniform: years of trauma, a battle with alcoholism, and the struggle to lead while fighting demons no one could see. Steve also brings a powerful, boots‑on‑the‑ground perspective on what’s happening to our kids. From the erosion of discipline to the explosion of vaping and the psychological pressure of social media, he paints a sobering picture of a school system in crisis—and the young people caught in the middle. This is an honest, unfiltered conversation about pain, resilience, leadership, and the urgent need to protect the next generation.  

Host Josh Torbich sits down with Brunswick County Sheriff Brian Chism for a powerful, eye‑opening conversation about the real limits of handcuffs—both as a law‑enforcement tool and as a symbol of the deeper restraints people face in addiction, trauma, and recovery. From the front lines of policing to the human stories behind every call, this episode explores: The realities officers face when responding to addiction‑driven crises Why punishment alone can’t break the cycle of substance use The role of compassion, connection, and community‑based recovery How law enforcement and recovery advocates can work together for meaningful change Sheriff Chism brings a rare blend of honesty, experience, and heart to the discussion, challenging assumptions and shedding light on what it truly takes to help people break free—far beyond the physical restraints of handcuffs. If you care about addiction recovery, criminal justice reform, mental health, or understanding the human side of law enforcement, this is an episode you won’t want to miss. Subscribe for more real conversations, real recovery, and real hope.

Episode 006 of Behind the Citgo takes a powerful look at one of the most important—and often most challenging—parts of the recovery journey: rebuilding family relationships. Joined by the insightful and compassionate Dwane Richardson, we explore how trust can be restored, how communication evolves, and how families can heal together after addiction has created distance or pain. This episode is for anyone in recovery, anyone supporting a loved one, or anyone seeking a deeper understanding of how families grow stronger through healing. You’ll hear real stories, practical tools, and grounded wisdom that can help guide you or someone you care about toward healthier, more connected relationships. In this episode, we discuss: How addiction impacts family dynamics Steps to rebuild trust and emotional safety Tools for healthier communication Why family involvement strengthens long‑term recovery Dwane Richardson’s lived and professional insights If this conversation resonates with you, we’d love your support.   #RecoveryJourney #FamilyHealing #AddictionRecovery #BehindTheCitgo

Anthony Grimaldi of Southeastern Integrated Care joins Josh Torbich and the Behind the Citgo podcast crew for Episode 005: MOUD - The Good, The Bad, The Ugly

Heath Cadell from Reach Community Church in Leland, NC joins Josh Torbich and the Behind the Citgo podcast team to discuss "The Church's Role in Recovery (Part 2)"

Jeremey Seamon of Coastal Horizons joins Josh Torbich and the Behind the Citgo crew to discuss "Therapy - Is It Working?  When Does it Stop?      

Lucas Grainger from Coastal Church in Shallotte, NC joins Josh Torbich and the Behind the Citgo crew for Episode 003: The Church's Role in Recovery (Part 1)   Reels Daily! Episodes Weekly!! Subscribe Now!!!

Tyler Smith joins the Behind the Citgo podcast for Episode 001 - Behind the Citgo - The Unseen World of Addiction

My Unforgettable Sponsor & Smoking Crack Behind Citgo is a raw and unfiltered reflection on addiction and recovery, contrasting the chaos and degradation of active drug use with the steady, often uncomfortable presence of a sponsor who refuses to give up. Through stark imagery and honest self-examination, it explores survival mode, denial, relapse, and shame, while highlighting how accountability, mentorship, and grace can emerge in the most unlikely places and become the starting point for real transformation.

My Unforgettable Sponsor & Smoking Crack Behind Citgo is a raw and unfiltered reflection on addiction and recovery, contrasting the chaos and degradation of active drug use with the steady, often uncomfortable presence of a sponsor who refuses to give up. Through stark imagery and honest self-examination, it explores survival mode, denial, relapse, and shame, while highlighting how accountability, mentorship, and grace can emerge in the most unlikely places and become the starting point for real transformation.