PODCAST · society
Get a Grip Podcast
by Louis Essig and Aaron Garnes
Get a Grip Podcast is hosted by Louis Essig and Aaron Garnes, both in recovery from addiction and alcoholism. In each episode, they share their unfiltered stories of overcoming addiction, time in prison, and struggles with mental health—mixing raw honesty with humor. The podcast gives a voice to the underdog, breaking down the stigma surrounding addiction and recovery. Through candid conversations and real-life experiences, Louis and Aaron inspire others on their journey, showing that while recovery is challenging, it’s possible. Tune in for laughter, hope, and stories of transformation.
Episodes
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Blackouts, Cocaine & Alcohol: I Started Drinking at 11 & Couldn't Get Sober Until 39 | Ep 223
In this episode of Get a Grip Podcast, Louis Essig sits down with Colleen for a raw, emotional, and eye-opening conversation about childhood trauma, losing her brother, alcoholism, blackouts, multiple DUIs, jail time, and finding a way into recovery after nearly three decades of drinking. Colleen...
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I Found My Mother Passed Away… The First Thing I Did Was Steal Her Cancer Meds | Ep 222
In this episode of Get a Grip Podcast, Louis Essig and Aaron Garnes sit down with Andrew Z for a raw, emotional, and eye-opening conversation about prescription pill addiction, heroin, grief, family tragedy, relapse, and the devastating consequences of addiction. Andrew opens up about his…
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How I Went From Heroin to a 3-Year Crack Bender & Street Walking | Ep 221
In this episode of Get a Grip Podcast, Louis Essig and Aaron Garnes sit down with Nicole Pike for a raw, emotional, and unfiltered conversation about childhood abuse, prescription pills, heroin addiction, crack addiction, homelessness, losing custody of her children, and the long road back to...
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How Marijuana & Bipolar Disorder Ruined My Life & Kept Landing Me in the Psych Ward | Ep 220
In this episode of Get a Grip Podcast, Louis Essig and Aaron Garnes sit down with Devon Fitzpatrick for a raw and eye-opening conversation about bipolar disorder, substance use, psychosis, cocaine, PCP, meth, and the devastating impact that mental health and addiction can have when they collide....
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I Was Addicted to Oxy, Xanax, Lean & Cocaine… How I Got Sober | Ep 220
In this episode of Get a Grip Podcast, Louis Essig and Aaron Garnes sit down with Matthew Fishrupp for a raw, intense, and eye-opening conversation about Xanax addiction, prescription drug abuse, partying, arrests, psychosis, rehab, and the long road to recovery. Matthew's story reveals how…
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PTSD, Pills, & Ibogaine - The Drug That Can Cure Heroin Addiction In a Weekend? | Ep 219
In this episode of Get a Grip Podcast, Louis Essig sits down with PJ Wright for an intense and eye-opening conversation about childhood trauma, military service, PTSD, prescription medications, alternative treatments, and a profound spiritual awakening that changed the way he looks at life. PJ...
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I Was Shot Twice During a Meth Robbery, Survived Fentanyl & Lived in Bando’s for Years. | Ep 218
In this episode of Get a Grip Podcast, Louis Essig and Aaron Garnes sit down with James Polley for a raw, intense, and eye-opening conversation about growing up gay, meth addiction, homelessness, violence, overdose, and finding a path to recovery. James opens up about his...
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How Homelessness Led Me to Heroin, Fentanyl & Almost Losing My Life | Ep 217
In this episode of Get a Grip Podcast, Louis Essig and Aaron Garnes sit down with Jasper for a raw and heartbreaking conversation about homelessness, opioid addiction, heroin, fentanyl, overdose, and the journey toward recovery. Jasper opens up about his childhood and the experiences that shaped...
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How Alcohol Slowly Took Everything From My Life | Ep 216
In this episode of Get a Grip Podcast, Louis Essig and Aaron Garnes sit down with Jason Gardner for a wild, honest, and ultimately inspiring conversation about alcoholism, career struggles, reckless drinking, relationships, consequences, and finding a way into recovery. Jason opens up about his...
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How My 18-Month-Old Daughter Accidentally Took 16mg of Suboxone | Ep 215
In this episode of Get a Grip Podcast, Louis Essig and Aaron Garnes sit down with Jordan Py for a raw, emotional, and at times unbelievable story about alcoholism, prescription drugs, cocaine, addiction, marriage, fatherhood, relapse, and the long road toward recovery. Jordan opens up about his...
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I Got Banned From Jerry Springer & Fenway Park... Then Got Addicted to Crack, Fentanyl & Nitrous | Ep 214
In this episode of Get a Grip Podcast, Louis Essig sits down with Chris Cole for an intense and unbelievable story about addiction, partying, fatherhood, relapse, and recovery. Chris opens up about his childhood, early drinking, and how Adderall became his first real addiction. His substance use...
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How I Spent $40K on Crack in 5 Months & Still Held a Job | Ep 213
In this episode of Get a Grip Podcast, Louis Essig and Aaron Garnes sit down with Jason Baer for a wild, emotional, and unbelievable story about family trauma, alcohol, cocaine, crack addiction, money, crime, international drug use, and ultimately finding his way into recovery. Jason opens up…
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How Heroin at 14 Led to 4 Mini-Strokes and Brain Surgery | Ep 212
In this episode of Get a Grip Podcast, Louis Essig sits down with Cory Baton for a raw and deeply personal conversation about childhood abuse, addiction, relapse, serious health complications, and the fight to finally build a life in recovery. Cory opens up about a difficult childhood and the…
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How I Started Smoking PCP at 12, Became a Heroin Addict, and Lost Everything | Ep 211
In this episode of Get a Grip Podcast, Aaron Garnes sits down with Dave Marcus for an intense and unbelievable conversation about growing up with drug-addicted parents, being exposed to drugs from an early age, dealing drugs, heroin addiction, homelessness, psychosis, jail, and ultimately finding…
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I Drank Vodka Every Day for 30 Years, Found Crack, Got 8 DUI's, and Somehow Survived | Ep 210
In this episode of Get a Grip Podcast, Louis Essig and Aaron Garnes sit down with Tom McDonald for a powerful and eye-opening conversation about alcoholism, addiction, DUIs, family, prison, recovery, and what it takes to rebuild your life after decades of drinking. Tom describes growing up with a...
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I Got High on My Grandma’s Fentanyl Patches | Ep 210
In this episode of Get a Grip Podcast, Louis Essig sits down with Ronnie Schaffer for a raw and deeply personal conversation about growing up with an alcoholic and abusive father, getting into the party scene at a young age, working in his dad’s bar, opioid addiction, fentanyl, loss, and…
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How I Wenat From Crack in High School to a Full-Blown Heroin & Meth Addict | Ep 209
In this episode of Get a Grip Podcast, Aaron Garnes sits down with Natalie France for a raw and deeply emotional conversation about addiction, motherhood, abusive relationships, homelessness, heroin, meth, incarceration, pregnancy, and finding recovery after years of chaos. Natalie opens up about...
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My Mom Introduced Me to Cocaine… Then I Got Hooked on Perc 30s | Ep 208
In this episode of Get a Grip Podcast, Louis Essig and Aaron Garnes sit down with Gage Bobo for an emotional and brutally honest conversation about growing up around addiction, a father spending years in prison, cocaine, Xanax, Percocet 30s, homelessness, crime, relapse, and ultimately finding a...
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I Was Prescribed Xanax at 14… Then Fentanyl & Xylazine Destroyed My Life | Ep 207
In this episode of Get a Grip Podcast, Louis Essig and Aaron Garnes sit down with Zach Henry for an intense and deeply honest conversation about addiction, trauma, fentanyl, xylazine, family, and the devastating consequences of losing control. Zach grew up with alcoholic parents and was exposed…
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I Was a Notre Dame Professor Smoking $800 of Crack Every Day | Ep 206
In this episode of Get a Grip Podcast, Louis Essig and Aaron Garnes sit down with Ted Beauchaine for one of the most unbelievable addiction and recovery stories we've ever heard. Ted takes us back to a childhood spent moving around the country, attending nine different schools before reaching…
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How Hiding My Sexuality Kept Me Shooting Oxy and Heroin Until I Finally Came Out | Ep 205
In this episode of Get a Grip Podcast, Louis Essig and Aaron Garnes sit down with Nick Newman for an incredibly raw and personal conversation about addiction, IV drug use, sexuality, relapse, recovery, and the moment he finally stopped hiding who he was. Nick starts by taking us back to his...
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How I Went From Fighting in Afghanistan to Fighting a 7OH Addiction | Ep 204
In this episode of Get a Grip Podcast, Louis Essig and Aaron Garnes sit down with Nick Newman for an incredible story that spans childhood addiction, the U.S. Army, combat deployments, prescription drugs, kratom, 7OH, and the long road toward recovery. Nick opens up about a childhood that quickly...
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How I Made It From 90 Days to Over 1 Year Sober From Fentanyl & Heroin | Ep 203
In this episode of Get a Grip Podcast, Louis Essig sits down with Tony Newton for a raw and honest conversation about childhood trauma, addiction, crime, relationships, and the journey from fentanyl and heroin addiction into recovery.Tony opens up about a difficult childhood, including being...
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I Had 78 Felonies, Did 7 Years in Prison & Fought Crack & Gambling Addiction | Ep 202
In this episode of Get a Grip Podcast, Louis Essig and Aaron Garne's sit down for a raw conversation about growing up around addiction, crack cocaine, prison, gambling, and finding a new way to live. Their guest shares how his life spiraled from cocaine and crack addiction into a criminal…
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How My Fentanyl Addiction Turned Into Xylazine Addiction | Ep 201
In this episode of Get a Grip Podcast, Louis Essig and Aaron Garnes sit down with Briana Noda for a raw and deeply personal conversation about growing up around addiction, becoming a mother, fentanyl and heroin addiction, xylazine, incarceration, and finding a way into recovery. Briana opens up...
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I Walked the Streets for 15 Years to Feed My Crack Addiction… Then I Lost My Children in Sobreity | Ep 201
In this heartbreaking and powerful episode of Get a Grip Podcast, Louis Essig and Aaron Garnes sit down with Tina Lester for an incredibly honest conversation about addiction, prostitution, incarceration, recovery, and unimaginable loss. Tina's story takes us back to her childhood and the…
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My Mom Cooked Meth & I OD’d on Fentanyl at 13 | How I Survived Addiction & Abuse | Ep 200
In this episode of Get a Grip Podcast, Louis Essig sits down with Victoria Lombardo for an incredibly raw and emotional conversation about childhood trauma, addiction, family dysfunction, abusive relationships, and finding a way forward after unimaginable loss. Victoria's story begins with a...
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I Was 8 Years Sober From Heroin... Then My Doctor Prescribed Me Klonopin & I Almost Relapsed | Ep 199
In this powerful and deeply personal episode of Get a Grip Podcast, Aaron Garnes turns the microphone around and interviews co-host Louis Essig about a chapter of his life he never expected to experience. After years of sobriety from heroin addiction, Louis thought he had put his darkest days...
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Shooting Meth, Stealing Cars & Homeless in Cincinnati | Ep 199
In this episode of Get a Grip Podcast, Louis Essig sits down with Catherine White for a raw and unfiltered conversation about meth addiction, life on the streets, crime, homelessness, and the difficult journey toward recovery. Catherine opens up about her childhood and the experiences that...
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How I Became a "Career Criminal" After Meth & Heroin Took Over My Life | Ep 197
In this episode of Get a Grip Podcast, Louis Essig and Aaron Garnes sit down with Andrew Robbins for a raw conversation about growing up in crime, meth addiction, multiple prison sentences, and what it takes to finally break free from a life on the streets. Andrew's struggles began at an early…
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I Believe My Brother's Passing Was Covered Up... Then I Lost Myself to Coke & Perc 30's | Ep 196
In this episode of Get a Grip Podcast, Louis Essig and Aaron Garnes sit down with Army veteran Andrew Robbins for a heartbreaking conversation about military service, family loss, addiction, and finding hope through faith and recovery.Andrew's journey began with a childhood that led him to enlist...
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I Was a Minister's Wife... Then I Started Selling Myself for Oxy 30s | Ep 195
In this episode of Get a Grip Podcast, Louis Essig and Aaron Garnes sit down with Kimberly Ferrizzi for an incredibly honest conversation about addiction, faith, betrayal, and finding lasting recovery after losing everything. Kimberly's story begins with what appeared to be a picture-perfect…
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How I Lost My Leg, Started Selling Carfentanil & Got Addicted to Percs | Ep 194
In this episode of Get a Grip Podcast, Louis Essig sits down with Quan White for an unbelievable conversation about violence, addiction, incarceration, and finding purpose after surviving experiences that most people could never imagine.Quan;s story begins with unimaginable childhood trauma. At...
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My Twin Brother & I Were Born Addicted to Crack, Abused, and Human Trafficked | Ep 193
In this episode of Get a Grip Podcast, Louis Essig sits down with Kaylee Ferren for one of the most heartbreaking and inspiring stories ever shared on the show. From being born addicted to crack cocaine to surviving years of severe abuse, exploitation, addiction, and trafficking, Kaylee's journey...
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From 6 DUIs on Quaaludes to Shooting Cocaine & Stealing From My Family's Business | Ep 192
In this episode of Get a Grip Podcast, Louis Essig sits down with Troy Sierer for a remarkable story of addiction, family, redemption, and long-term recovery. Troy's addiction began during his junior year of high school when he was introduced to Quaaludes, a drug that quickly took control of his...
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I Traveled the World to Escape Heroin... Just to Find Meth & Fentanyl | Ep 191
In this episode of Get a Grip Podcast, Louis Essig and Aaron Garnes sit down with Chris Tudor for an incredible story of addiction, world travel, relapse, and the realization that no matter where you run, you can't outrun yourself. Chris' struggles began early with juvenile detention and…
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How I Survived Meth Addiction & Life-Threatening Alcohol Withdrawal | Ep 190
In this episode of Get a Grip Podcast, Louis Essig and Aaron Garnes sit down with Rachid Yatkin for an unforgettable conversation about childhood trauma, incarceration, addiction, and the fight to rebuild a life after years of destructive choices.Rachid's story begins with a turbulent childhood...
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How Heroin Turned Me Into a Homeless Felon | Ep 189
In this episode of Get a Grip Podcast, Louis Essig sits down with Shawn Mims for a powerful conversation about childhood trauma, addiction, homelessness, and the journey toward lasting recovery. Shawn's story begins with a difficult childhood that set the stage for years of destructive choices.…
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I Didn't Know My Meth Was Cut With Fentanyl Until It Was Too Late... | Ep 188
In this episode of Get a Grip Podcast, Louis Essig sits down with T.Y. Brooks for a raw and honest conversation about growing up in the streets, juvenile detention, addiction, and finding a new path through recovery. T.Y.'s struggles began at an early age. After getting into trouble as a kid, he...
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How I Got Clean After Shooting Every Drug & Relapsing on Fentanyl | Ep 187
In this episode of Get a Grip Podcast, Aaron Garnes and Louis Essig sit down with Eddie Pennington for a gripping conversation about growing up in addiction, surviving the streets, and finding hope after years of substance abuse and legal trouble. Eddie's story begins in a home where addiction…
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How I Ended Up in LA "Prison" After Heroin Took Over My Life... Then Came the Extradition from Hell | Ep 187
In this episode of Get a Grip Podcast, Aaron Garnes sits down with Lynn Vetum for a powerful conversation about addiction, incarceration, relapse, and the long journey to lasting recovery. Lynn's story begins with what appeared to be a normal childhood, but everything started to change after...
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I Didn't Realize I Was Pregnant Until 7.5 Months Because of My Crack Addiction... | Ep 186
In this episode of Get a Grip Podcast, Aaron Garnes sits down with Lauren Shoemaker for a powerful conversation about addiction, loss, recovery, and finding hope after years of chaos. Lauren's story begins with a difficult childhood before addiction slowly took hold during her late teens and…
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I Shot Someone at 17... Then Became a Crack Addict | Ep 185
In this episode of Get a Grip Podcast, Louis Essig and Aaron Garnes sit down with Jason Mains for an incredible story of violence, addiction, prison, relapse, and the ongoing fight for recovery. Jason's life was marked by trauma from an early age. As a teenager, he survived a brutal assault after...
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I Was a Daily Blackout Drinker... Then I Got 5 DUIs | Ep 184
In this episode of Get a Grip Podcast, Louis Essig and Aaron Garnes sit down with Ben Solove to discuss a lifetime of alcoholism, repeated second chances, and the decision that finally changed everything. Ben's story begins with an ordinary childhood, but like many people, his relationship with...
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How Alcohol, Crack & Prison Nearly Killed Me | Ep 183
In this episode of Get a Grip Podcast, Louis Essig sits down with Justin Allen for a brutally honest conversation about alcoholism, homelessness, crack cocaine, incarceration, and the long road back to recovery. J ustin's addiction began at an early age. While most kids were focused on school, he...
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How Childhood Trauma Led Me to Meth Addiction & an Attempt to End My Ex-Husbands Life | Ep 182
In this episode of Get a Grip Podcast, Louis Essig sits down with Christina Rudd for a deeply personal conversation about childhood trauma, addiction, mental health, and the difficult road to healing. Christina's story begins with a childhood marked by abandonment and abuse. After her parents…
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How I Survived 22 Years of Heroin Addiction, 22 Jail Stays & Raising 7 Kids | Ep 182
In this episode of Get a Grip Podcast, Louis Essig and Aaron Garnes sit down with Latisha Barnes for an unforgettable conversation about surviving addiction, life on the streets, incarceration, and ultimately finding recovery after decades of chaos. Latisha's story began with a difficult…
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I Escaped Heroin... Until 7OH Ruined My Life Again | Ep 181
In this episode of Get a Grip Podcast, Louis Essig and Aaron Garnes sit down with Eric Wright for an honest and eye-opening conversation about growing up in Chicago, addiction, relapse, and finding hope after years of chasing a high. Eric's story begins on the streets of Chicago, where he started...
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ICE Took My Baby's Father... Why I Turned to Heroin and a Brothel | Ep 180
In this episode of Get a Grip Podcast, Louis Essig and Aaron Garnes sit down with Carmen Honeycutt for a shocking and deeply personal story of addiction, loss, survival, and recovery.Carmen's struggle with substance abuse began at a young age and quickly escalated into a devastating addiction to...
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I Had Unlimited Access to Opiates & Benzos as a Pharmacy Tech... Then I Found 7OH | Ep 179
In this episode of Get a Grip Podcast, Louis Essig sits down with Lauren Hayes for an incredibly honest conversation about addiction, trauma, recovery, and the dangers of emerging substances that many people still know very little about. Lauren's story begins with a chaotic childhood that led her...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Get a Grip Podcast is hosted by Louis Essig and Aaron Garnes, both in recovery from addiction and alcoholism. In each episode, they share their unfiltered stories of overcoming addiction, time in prison, and struggles with mental health—mixing raw honesty with humor. The podcast gives a voice to the underdog, breaking down the stigma surrounding addiction and recovery. Through candid conversations and real-life experiences, Louis and Aaron inspire others on their journey, showing that while recovery is challenging, it’s possible. Tune in for laughter, hope, and stories of transformation.
HOSTED BY
Louis Essig and Aaron Garnes
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Get a Grip Podcast have?
Get a Grip Podcast currently has 230 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Get a Grip Podcast about?
Get a Grip Podcast is hosted by Louis Essig and Aaron Garnes, both in recovery from addiction and alcoholism. In each episode, they share their unfiltered stories of overcoming addiction, time in prison, and struggles with mental health—mixing raw honesty with humor. The podcast gives a voice to...
How often does Get a Grip Podcast release new episodes?
Get a Grip Podcast publishes regularly with 230 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to Get a Grip Podcast?
You can listen to Get a Grip Podcast on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Get a Grip Podcast?
Get a Grip Podcast is created and hosted by Louis Essig and Aaron Garnes.
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