Shoutout From The Pit

In this 25th anniversary of 9/11 tribute, the Old Rucker, Pat, Tony, and Jeremy reflect on where they were when the attacks happened, how September 11 2001 changed the military and their lives, and the lasting impact of service, loss, trauma, and recovery. Drawing from their experiences as veterans they discuss visits to the 9/11 Memorial and Pentagon, the sacrifices of civilians and service members, deployments that followed, and the people who helped them through the aftermath. The conversation ultimately turns toward recovery, vulnerability, therapy, sobriety, friendship, and the importance of building a tribe and asking for help when life gets dark. Through painful memories, humor, and stories of Americans helping one another, the episode honors those lost on 9/11 while focusing on resilience, service, community, and the possibility of finding hope after tragedy. Text Us at 501-613-8915 [email protected] Leave a voicemail 501-613-8915   National Suicide Prevention Lifeline #988 or 1-800-273-8255

This episode explores the realities of caregiving through the personal experiences of Charlie, Shannon, and Cherie, who share stories of caring for aging parents, siblings, and spouses through serious illness, end of life care, and organ transplant. The conversation examines the sudden loss of independence and identity, difficult medical decisions, family dynamics, resentment, grief, recovery, faith, and the emotional and physical toll caregiving can take. The guests also discuss the importance of asking for help, building a support system, practicing self care, respecting a loved one’s decisions, and recognizing when professional or recovery based support is needed. Through deeply personal stories including addiction recovery, hospice, PTSD, loss, and finding meaning amid adversity the episode offers practical perspective and encouragement for caregivers who may feel they have to carry the burden alone. Text Us at 501-613-8915 [email protected] Leave a voicemail 501-613-8915  

This episode continues the sponsorship series with Bob, Jeremy, Ralph, Cherie, and Mandy digging into what makes a good sponsor, how people choose one, and how sponsorship changes as both people grow in recovery. The conversation explores honesty, humility, boundaries, flexibility, service, faith, and the importance of adapting the approach to the individual rather than treating recovery like a one size fits all program. They share candid stories about being fired as sponsors, recognizing when friendship and sponsorship create conflicts, learning when to step back, and putting another person’s sobriety ahead of ego. The group also discusses how lessons learned through sponsorship carry into parenting, friendships, and military and workplace leadership, especially communication, patience, listening, discernment, and learning to respond instead of react.   Cabot Group 44th Birthday August 21st Text Us at 501-613-8915 [email protected] Leave a voicemail 501-613-8915  

Pat sits down with the Old Rucker, Jeremy, Tony, Ralph and RedBeard to share his raw and uncensored recovery journey, tracing his path from a rebellious childhood and heavy drinking through the Marine Corps, combat in Iraq, multiple DWIs, career setbacks, broken relationships, isolation, and eventually the realization that his life had become unmanageable. Pat talks openly about using alcohol to stay numb, the consequences that accumulated without immediately stopping his drinking, and the turning point that led him into treatment and the recovery program. He also discusses the people who helped him along the way, the importance of sponsorship, service, faith, accountability, and simply continuing to take the next right step. The conversation ultimately becomes a story of transformation, showing how sobriety, community, and giving back have allowed Pat to rebuild his life, find purpose, and recognize that the future can become better than he ever imagined.   Cabot Group 44th Birthday August 21st Text Us at 501-613-8915 [email protected] Leave a voicemail 501-613-8915  

In this deeply personal episode the Old Rucker sits down with Trish as she shares her powerful journey through alcoholism, relapse, recovery, and redemption. From a chaotic childhood marked by addiction and trauma to early sobriety, devastating loss, multiple relapses, and nearly losing her life during alcohol withdrawal, Trish openly discusses the realities of addiction without minimizing the pain or the hope. Together, they explore the importance of honesty, sponsorship, faith, service, mental health, therapeutic writing, and the daily commitment required to maintain sobriety. This episode is a reminder that relapse does not erase recovery, that there is always hope for those willing to come back, and that no one has to face the journey alone.     Hope Group’s 21st Birthday Celebration Flyer August 10th Cabot Group 44th Birthday August 21st   Text Us at 501-613-8915 [email protected] Leave a voicemail 501-613-8915  

The Old Rucker explores the difference between simply following the crowd and developing the warrior spirit needed to face life’s challenges with courage, discipline, faith, and purpose. This episode examines leadership, personal responsibility, recovery, overcoming fear, and the choices that define who we become. Through stories of figures like Norman Vincent Peale, Theodore Roosevelt, Saint Francis of Assisi, Mother Teresa, and a powerful tribute to Stephanie, a friend who embodied unconditional love despite her own struggles, Bob challenges listeners to embrace compassion, confront their weaknesses, serve others, and leave a legacy written on hearts rather than monuments. The message is clear: everyone has a purpose, everyone has the ability to lead, and the choice between fear and courage, apathy and action, is ours to make.   Hope Group’s 21st Birthday Celebration Flyer August 10th Cabot Group 44th Birthday August 21st   Text Us at 501-613-8915 [email protected] Leave a voicemail 501-613-8915  

In the first installment of a multi-part series on sponsorship, Bob the Old Rucker is joined by returning guests Ralph, Mandy, Sherry, and Jeremy for an honest discussion about what sponsorship truly means beyond the textbook definition. Drawing from decades of collective recovery experience, the panel explores the role of sponsors as mentors, guides, and fellow travelers rather than authority figures, emphasizing trust, humility, accountability, healthy boundaries, and walking through life’s challenges together. The conversation includes personal stories of success and failure, difficult lessons learned from sponsoring others, the importance of meeting people where they are, recognizing when outside professional help is needed, and understanding that recovery is never one size fits all. Whether you’re in Alcoholics Anonymous, another 12-step fellowship, or simply interested in the power of mentorship, this episode offers practical wisdom and heartfelt encouragement on helping others while continuing your own journey of growth and recovery.   Hope Group’s 21st Birthday Celebration Flyer August 10th Cabot Group 44th Birthday August 21st   Text Us at 501-613-8915 [email protected] Leave a voicemail 501-613-8915  

The Old Rucker sits down with Micah and Emma who share their journey through faith, family, recovery, and redemption. Micah opens up about his struggles with substance abuse, the devastating loss of his father, discovering him after his death, and the PTSD that followed. He shares how his faith became the foundation for rebuilding his life, not through an instant transformation, but through daily choices, counseling, accountability, and continued growth. Emma joins the conversation to discuss supporting Micah through his recovery while sharing her own battle with OCD, anxiety, and fear, and how faith and therapy have helped her find peace. Together, they discuss marriage, vulnerability, mental health, grace, and the importance of not facing struggles alone. Their story is a reminder that recovery is a journey, healing takes work, and hope can be found even in the darkest seasons.   Hope Group’s 21st Birthday Celebration Flyer August 10th Cabot Group 44th Birthday August 21st   Text Us at 501-613-8915 [email protected] Leave a voicemail 501-613-8915

The Old Rucker sits down with longtime recovery advocate Libby D. for an honest conversation about resilience, recovery, service, and purpose. From breaking barriers as one of the first women in corporate sales and pharmaceutical representation, to life as a farmer, community leader, mentor, and recovering alcoholic, Libby shares a remarkable journey of overcoming abuse, addiction, loneliness, and personal loss. She reflects on the lessons learned through Alcoholics Anonymous, the importance of boundaries, humility, and helping others, and how recovery gave her a deeper sense of purpose. The conversation culminates with a powerful story about a horse and a donkey that serves as a metaphor for discipline, freedom, and the choices we make in life. This episode is filled with practical wisdom, hard earned experience, and hope for anyone navigating recovery or life’s challenges. Hope Group’s 21st Birthday Celebration Flyer August 10th  Cabot Group 44th Birthday August 21st   Text Us at 501-613-8915 [email protected] Leave a voicemail 501-613-8915  

This special Independence Day episode of Shoutout from the Pit steps away from the usual recovery and overcomer discussions to celebrate America’s 250th birthday and reflect on the meaning of freedom. Bob explores the history and symbolism of the American flag, honors veterans, first responders, military families, and community leaders, and discusses how the freedoms Americans enjoy connect to the same spirit of overcoming adversity that defines recovery. The episode is a heartfelt tribute to the Constitution, the sacrifices of those who served, and the enduring values of liberty, courage, service, and gratitude that continue to shape the nation. Text Us at 501-613-8915 [email protected] Leave a voicemail 501-613-8915  

Bob “The Old Rucker” reconnects with longtime friend and original guest Josh “The Bear Slayer” to reflect on two years of recovery, friendship, outdoor adventures, and personal growth. The conversation ranges from humorous memories of backpacking trips and the early days of the podcast to a gripping account of Josh’s recent encounter with a massive … Continue reading "Episode 0075 Josh The Bear Slayer"

The Old Rucker sits down with returning guest Cody along with Chris, a man whose life journey took him from a childhood marked by abuse, years of methamphetamine addiction, and incarceration to a life grounded in faith, accountability, and recovery. Chris openly shares how he spent decades as a high functioning addict, the events that … Continue reading "Episode 0074 Who’s on Your Throne"

The Old Rucker sits down with this week’s guest Paul Louis, a retired therapist with over 30 years helping vets at the Veterans Administration. Louis shares the remarkable story of his life, recovery, and decades of service helping veterans overcome addiction, trauma, and PTSD. Growing up in a large but chaotic South Louisiana family marked … Continue reading "Episode 0073 A Therapist’s Journey – From Shame to Service"

The Old Rucker talks on the theme of grace and mercy framed through personal recovery experience, mentorship, and reflection on human behavior under stress. Bob recounts formative encounters with a sponsor in a treatment setting, including a hospital visit preceding the sponsor’s death and a later interaction with a priest that reframed judgment toward a … Continue reading "Episode 0072 Grace and Mercy"

The Old Rucker sits down with Clark of Oak Crest Wealth Management for a practical conversation about money, retirement, and long-term financial responsibility. Moving beyond stock tips and investment hype, the discussion explores the difference between investing and gambling, the importance of starting early, the power of compound growth, and why financial planning matters regardless … Continue reading "Episode 0071 Dead or Dead Broke – Wealth Mgmt"

The Old Rucker sits down with digital creator, speaker, and author Michaela Mulroe to discuss resilience, identity, and living authentically with Treacher Collins syndrome. Michaela shares how she transformed years of feeling different, mental health struggles, and public scrutiny into a platform built around confidence, advocacy, and purpose through her upcoming book Unconditionally Confident and … Continue reading "Episode 0070 Michaela"

The Old Rucker reflects on the emotional collision between what he calls the “culture of darkness” and the “culture of light,” exploring how stress, grief, road rage, media negativity, politics, and everyday frustrations can slowly pull people into chaos and despair. Drawing from personal experiences, including the pain of losing longtime pets and navigating seasons … Continue reading "Episode 0069 Clash of Cultures"

In this episode “The Old Rucker” reconnects with returning guest Cody for a candid conversation about recovery, grief, incarceration, faith, and rebuilding a life after loss. Cody reflects on the years since his wife’s sudden passing, the spiral into addiction that followed, and the hard road through incarceration into sobriety and accountability. Now nearly five … Continue reading "Episode 0068 Cody Then & Now"

In this episode, Greg sits down with The Old Rucker to share his journey from early addiction and chaos to stability, purpose, and faith driven recovery. From drinking as a child and battling substance abuse for decades to reaching a breaking point that forced change, Greg walks through the hard truths of addiction and the … Continue reading "Episode 0067 Greg’s Journey"

In this episode the Old Rucker and returning guest Charlie sit down for an unfiltered conversation on depression, anxiety, and the internal battles that don’t always show on the surface, challenging the idea that recovery alone solves everything. Speaking candidly from lived experience, they move beyond statistics into the reality that no one is immune, … Continue reading "Episode 0066 Charlie Depression"

In this solo episode the Old Rucker dives into the real meaning of being a promise keeper both in recovery and in everyday life. From personal stories of broken trust to the transformative promises found in recovery principles, he unpacks how integrity, accountability, and consistent action shape who we become. Highlighting the importance of honesty, … Continue reading "Episode 0065 Solo Promise Keepers"

Bob sits down with Blake and Robin, a couple whose journey through addiction, trauma, and recovery highlights the raw reality of rebuilding a life from the ground up. From Robin’s story of surviving a childhood injury and rediscovering purpose through forgiveness, to Blake’s path through addiction, military service, and eventual sobriety, the episode explores how … Continue reading "Episode 0064 Robin & Blake"

Brett’s journey is shaped by relocation, isolation, and ultimately connection through recovery. Brett shares how moving to Arkansas for work led him from going through the motions of sobriety to truly engaging in it, thanks to a tight knit “tribe” built through service work, events, and shared experiences. Along the way, he reflects on his … Continue reading "Episode 0063 Brett’s Journey"

In this episode of Dwight one of the most seasoned voices in the room shares how a lifetime of discipline, success, and faith still led to a late in life battle with alcoholism after retirement stripped away his sense of purpose. What followed was a rapid descent into daily drinking, followed by an equally powerful … Continue reading "Episode 0062 Dwight’s Journey"

In this solo episode the Old Rucker kicks off a Recovery 101 discusses a practical, no-nonsense breakdown of communication, one of the most critical and most commonly botched tools in recovery and everyday life. Drawing from personal experience, leadership lessons, and recovery principles, he introduces the concept of “CUCUMU” (Clear, Complete, Mutual Understanding) and walks … Continue reading "Episode 0061 Commo"

In this episode the Old Rucker sits down with Arkansas writer and farmer Barry Brown for a wide ranging conversation about creativity, therapeutic writing, and finding meaning through storytelling. Barry shares how ideas born during his time in prison eventually turned into books, essays, and children’s stories, and explains how curiosity, research, and life experience … Continue reading "Episode 0060 Barry Writing in Recovery"

In this episode the Old Rucker dives into the emotional realities of recovery exploring anger, hate, violence, gratitude, and the importance of emotional sobriety. Bob talks about why people struggling with “isms” must learn to recognize and manage powerful emotions before they spiral into destructive behavior, and why the show intentionally avoids political controversy in … Continue reading "Episode 0059 Feed the Sheep"

The Tribe breaks down Andrea H.’s Five Things to Know About Working the Twelve Steps… challenging “brutal honesty,” redefining surrender, and exposing the difference between surface level recovery and true emotional accountability. Through personal stories of relapse, grief, ego, and redemption, the crew makes one thing clear: insight without action is useless, surrender is strength, … Continue reading "Episode 0058 Tribe OpenMic Truths"

This week Bob sits down with longtime friend “Mustache Bob” for a raw and revealing conversation about childhood adversity, early addiction, Peace Corps chaos in Liberia, and the hard earned lessons of relapse and redemption. After 18 years sober and a devastating slip, Bob found deeper recovery by fully working the steps, confronting long buried … Continue reading "Episode 0057 BobF’s Journey – ESH"

On this episode of Shout Out From The Pit, the Old Rucker reflects on the cycle of struggle, relief, and complacency; how we can go from desperate prayers to comfortable ruts faster than we realize. Through stories of addiction, near tragedy, job rejection, and recovery, he explores why motivation fades, why inspiration comes and goes, … Continue reading "Episode 0056 Just Keep Swimming"

Joel’s story is a blunt reminder that rock bottom doesn’t always involve handcuffs or headlines. In this episode, Joel opens up about childhood trauma, addiction, ego, control, relapse, and the moment his internal voice shifted from self hatred to hope. He shares how detox, honesty, service work, music, and community, especially Bridging the Gap, became … Continue reading "Episode 0055 Joel B’s Journey – ESH"

In this episode, the women’s round table dives deep into Boundaries and Bedevilments, unpacking what it really means to protect your sobriety while navigating real life. Through candid stories about relationships, trauma responses, money, fear, meditation, and spiritual growth, the panel explores how healthy boundaries are built, why they’re for you, not other people, and … Continue reading "Episode 0054 Cheri OpenMic"

When Shari received a breast cancer diagnosis, surrender wasn’t an option. In this episode, Shari and her husband Les share the full arc of their cancer journey from early detection through routine mammograms, to an aggressive treatment plan involving chemotherapy and immunotherapy, to the emotional, financial, and relational realities few people talk about out loud. … Continue reading "Episode 0053 Shari – Cancer"

The tribe sits down with Chris T., a husband, father, tech wirehead, astronomer, and recovering alcoholic with just over 20 years of sobriety. Chris shares a raw, unpolished story of early rebellion, crime, addiction, repeated detox attempts, and the moment he finally asked for help; not because he had a plan, but because he wanted … Continue reading "Episode 0052 Chris T: From Hellion to Helper – Sobriety, Service, and Second Chances"

In this episode the Old Rucker continues the Therapeutic Writing in Recovery series with guest and author JC Crumpton, a Navy veteran who shares how creative writing became a critical tool in his recovery after surviving a devastating automobile accident that resulted in a traumatic brain injury (TBI). JC reflects on growing up as a … Continue reading "Episode 0051 JC Crumpton Therapeutic Writing in Recovery"

This episode Team Cheremy opens the new year with a raw, deeply personal conversation about the family disease of alcoholism, focusing on how addiction and recovery ripple across generations. They explore lived experience rather than theory, as Linda and her niece Lauren both sober members of Alcoholics Anonymous share candid stories of growing up around … Continue reading "Episode 0050 Team Cheremy: The Alcoholic Family"

In this episode of the Old Rucker sits down with Edye and Paul and joined by Mandy, Sherry, Jeremy, Dwight, Joel & Linda for a blunt, experience driven conversation about what it actually means to be a couple in recovery. Drawing from deeply personal histories of addiction, grief, loss, and long term sobriety, Edye and Paul … Continue reading "Episode 0049 Edye and Paul: Couples in Recovery"

Bob sits down with Lynn Combs an award winning author, speaker, designer, whose journey as a Navy brat, single mother, and late blooming writer embodies the show’s core belief that everyone has a story worth telling and that the telling itself can be transformative. Lynn shares how writing became both a lifeline and a compass … Continue reading "Episode 0048 Lynn Combs"

In this Ladies Round Table, Cherie and Mandy gather an incredible circle of women to dive into the messy, beautiful realities of Attitude, Acceptance, and Action three deceptively simple words that turn into raw, life altering conversations. From childhood anxiety to lifelong people pleasing, from loss that shatters faith to grief that rewires identity, the … Continue reading "Episode 0047 Ladies Round Table with Cherie & Mandy"

In this round table Jeremy hosts as the tribe digs into therapeutic modalities everything from CBT, CPT, DBT, EMDR, ECT, exercise, yoga, meditation, breathwork, grief practices, and the unconventional “whatever actually works” approaches that helped them survive trauma, depression, anxiety, loss, and sobriety. The tribe shares firsthand experiences ranging from military PTSD and prolonged exposure … Continue reading "Episode 0046 Jeremy Hosts Modalities"

Samantha first had to struggle with the ism in alcoholism, a monumental battle on its own. Then came facing the ugliness behind the mask, beginning a long journey of self realization and recovery. No one could have told her that the tools she gained in sobriety would become the only anchor strong enough to prepare … Continue reading "Episode 0045 Samantha"

In this holiday season episode, Team Cheremy leads a raw conversation with Bob, Kimberly, Joel, Sam, and joining later RedBeard about the challenges of staying sober, dealing with the stress of the holidays, family tension, loneliness, and social pressure peak. The group shares personal stories, relapse statistics, practical tools for navigating triggering gatherings, strategies for … Continue reading "Episode 0044 Holiday Message"

Bob the Old Rucker and Mandy sit down with Rhona, whose hard won journey from a painful childhood, addiction, loss, and nine heart attacks to seven years of recovery is nothing short of a gut punching miracle. Rhona shares how early family dysfunction left her searching for belonging in all the wrong places, how addiction … Continue reading "Episode 0043 Rhona"

Bob “the Old Rucker” sits down with longtime friend Sloan and Dwight to explore Sloan’s powerful story of recovery from alcoholism and meth addiction. From a chaotic childhood marked by family alcoholism to years lost in a cycle of drug use, self destruction, and near death experiences, Sloan shares how he found hope after hitting … Continue reading "Episode 0042 Sloan ESH"

This short centers around personal authenticity and recovery, using the “Three A’s” Awareness, Acceptance, and Action as a roadmap for self-improvement. Bob shares personal reflections on identity, fear of rejection, and the masks people wear to fit in. The episode mixes humor, spiritual insight, and practical steps for letting go of old habits and embracing … Continue reading "Episode 0041 Be You"

Old Rucker sits down with Jeremy and Cherie, a married couple who survived alcoholism, military service, and near destruction to become examples of resilience and partnership in sobriety. They recount meeting as teens, marrying young, and enduring years of alcohol abuse that led to emotional distance, isolation, and even violent incidents including one involving their … Continue reading "Episode 0040 Team Cheremy – Couples in Recovery"

Re-release of this episode to fix audio issues On this episode the Old Rucker sits down with guest Cheri, who shares her story of recovery, resilience, and rediscovering love and purpose after alcoholism. The episode dives into Cheri’s life her path from a turbulent childhood and early motherhood to military life, codependency, and eventual addiction. … Continue reading "Episode 0039 Cheri’s Journey (fixed)"

On this episode the Old Rucker sits down with guest Cheri, who shares her story of recovery, resilience, and rediscovering love and purpose after alcoholism. The episode dives into Cheri’s life her path from a turbulent childhood and early motherhood to military life, codependency, and eventual addiction. Through reflection and laughter, she describes how recovery … Continue reading "Episode 0039 Cheri’s Journey"

In this episode welcome back guest Ben Grimes, joined by tribe members Josh, Tony, Pat, and Jeremy, to put the program “The Breach” into action. The Breach is an eight-week workshop blending Shakespeare and military values to help veterans, first responders, and service-minded individuals process trauma and build resilience. Ben’s first episode Text Us at … Continue reading "Episode 0038 Grimes Part 2 – Post Traumatic Stress vs Post Traumatic Growth"

The Old Rucker dives into the theme of “staying in your lane” reflecting on lessons from the military, scripture, and personal experience about avoiding gossip, meddling, and unsolicited advice. Through stories of misjudgments, humility, and encounters with both busybodies and bad drivers, he emphasizes the value of minding one’s own business, practicing forgiveness, and leading … Continue reading "Episode 0037 Stay In Your Lane"