The Way Podcast

Will Taylor got sober on Halloween 2013. His explanation: he was "too pretty to go back to prison." He walked into a courtroom, told a judge he was a drug addict, and asked for a shot at treatment instead of a cell. What happened next — the people who showed up, the 16 months he spent in transitional housing, the work that built slowly around him — is the reason Recovery's New High exists today.Alongside Will is Ben Stewart, a policy veteran who helps make sure recovery has representation where it matters most: in legislative chambers and government offices where decisions get made about funding, housing, and what "recovery" even means.Together they run 67 certified recovery housing partners across Tennessee, over 1,200 beds, and distributed more than $150,000 in housing vouchers last year alone. They've worked to shape legislation that protected small recovery housing operators from being regulated out of existence. And they're just getting started.This conversation covers the difference between treatment and recovery, why the disease of addiction is fundamentally a disease of isolation, what accountability really looks like as an act of love, and what community-centered recovery actually takes to build from scratch.The Way Podcast — stories of recovery, faith, and second chances.

Will Taylor got sober on Halloween 2013. His explanation: he was "too pretty to go back to prison." He walked into a courtroom, told a judge he was a drug addict, and asked for a shot at treatment instead of a cell. What happened next — the people who showed up, the 16 months he spent in transitional housing, the work that built slowly around him — is the reason Recovery's New High exists today.Alongside Will is Ben Stewart, a policy veteran who helps make sure recovery has representation where it matters most: in legislative chambers and government offices where decisions get made about funding, housing, and what "recovery" even means.Together they run 67 certified recovery housing partners across Tennessee, over 1,200 beds, and distributed more than $150,000 in housing vouchers last year alone. They've worked to shape legislation that protected small recovery housing operators from being regulated out of existence. And they're just getting started.This conversation covers the difference between treatment and recovery, why the disease of addiction is fundamentally a disease of isolation, what accountability really looks like as an act of love, and what community-centered recovery actually takes to build from scratch.The Way Podcast — stories of recovery, faith, and second chances.

Dr. Kristi Isaacson grew up in an addicted household in Crossville, Tennessee. She was selling drugs by her late teens. On New Year's Eve 1994, her sister talked her into going to a church service. She showed up loaded, planning to leave for the real party after. She ended up on her knees at the altar instead — and literally opened her purse, dumped out everything she had, and walked out the door. She hasn't used since.Thirty years later, Kristi holds a bachelor's in pastoral counseling, a master's in chaplaincy, and a doctorate whose dissertation was a blueprint for Crossville's recovery community. That blueprint became reality: a 24/7 call line, jail interviews, twice-weekly court advocacy, transport relationships spanning 8 states, semi-independent transitional housing, and now a women's residential facility — the Tisdale House — designed to make every woman feel like a princess while doing the hardest work of her life.In this conversation, she and Austin talk about never having seen love and creating a child just to feel it, what it actually takes to build recovery infrastructure in rural America, why long-term engagement is the only thing that works, and — for anyone who feels too far gone — why God wasn't surprised by any of it and why your story isn't wasted.The Way Podcast — stories of recovery, faith, and second chances.

Dr. Sam McMasters got clean at 19. He's now 38 years sober and has spent four decades building addiction recovery programs in some of the most underserved communities in the country — including a decade-long harm-reduction project in Houston, Texas, working with active drug users through syringe programs and street-level outreach.His philosophy: you can't help people from a distance. You have to meet them where they are. And even then, the statistics are brutal — 85% of people walking into treatment don't believe recovery is actually possible for them.In this episode, Sam and Austin talk about what the "mess before the message" looked like for Sam, how his faith has grown over nearly four decades of sobriety, why addiction is a spiritual disease that no purely clinical approach can fix, and what his sponsor told him that he still carries today.This is one of the most grounded, quietly wise conversations we've had on The Way.The Way Podcast — stories of recovery, faith, and second chances.

Bob Stubblefield was a functional alcoholic by junior year of high school — honor roll, sports, academic scholarship to UT. Then he found drugs, failed out, lost his deferment, and got drafted to Vietnam. When he came back, the spiral continued: failed marriage, nightclubs, criminal behavior, and a night that ended with him beaten half to death by police, waking up in a locked psychiatric unit.June 6th, 1984. That was the last day he drank or used. He's been sober 41 years.What followed is extraordinary. A community service sentence at a halfway house accidentally launched a 40-year career in addiction treatment. He and Austin's father became business partners and spent decades building treatment centers across Tennessee — deliberately placing them in small towns and Medicaid communities that every other company ignored.And Bob has been tested. Vietnam PTSD. Two heart attacks. Bladder cancer. His stepson died, leaving behind two children. His wife Cathy battled cancer for ten years, went into remission, then it came back — she passed away at home surrounded by friends who had no idea that morning would be her last. Bob walked out of her room into a house full of people who loved him. He describes it as God's direct provision.Through all of it, he never picked up. This is the conversation about how — and why.The Way Podcast — stories of recovery, faith, and second chances.

Andrew Parrott was 14 the first time he did cocaine — and instantly knew he'd found something that made the pain stop. What followed was years of violent addiction, five high schools, and a December night in Tucson in 1999 where he overdosed, woke up, reached for a gun, and was interrupted by a phone call from his sister calling from London.That call connected him to a 12-step hotline. A stranger told him to walk to the nearest McDonald's. He was passed through a chain of people he'd never met, who detoxed him in their apartment over three days — for free. His first clean day was December 21st, 1999. He hasn't had a drink or drug since.Now 26+ years sober, Andrew is the founder of Logic Marketing — a company he built from scratch during the early days of digital marketing, riding a bike to three jobs and betting on a medium nobody understood yet. He's also the man who got the call from YouTube star Danny Duncan about a kid named Hayden — a broken addict bailed out of jail for a YouTube skit — and helped turn it into a real rescue through The Way.This is a conversation about addiction, redemption, entrepreneurship, and a faith that took over a decade to find. One of the most honest episodes we've done.

What if everything we've been treating as a clinical problem is actually a spiritual one?Austin sits down with Matt — founder and leader of The Way Recovery in Crossville, TN — for a collab episode that goes deep on addiction, recovery, the love of the Father, and one of the most arresting personal testimonies we've ever had on the show.In this episode:What The Way actually is: five recovery homes, a 24/7 prayer house inside an old theater, and a coffee shop run by people in active recoveryWhy most recovery programs are either "all clinical" or "all spiritual" — and why neither is enoughThe "both/and" model that's actually working"Our big thing is: how can we help you?" — invitation vs. the pitchforkMatt growing up in the Bible Belt without really knowing JesusFalling through the cracks of his own familyThe first drink that filled the hole — and the slow descent that followedWatching his brother Jake find Jesus while Matt stayed resentfulJanuary 18, 2025: waiting to go to jail, sitting in his mom's living room, The Chosen playing on the TVThe overwhelming conviction: "Wait. Maybe it's me."Feeling content for the first time in his entire life"It's not your fight to have" — for families of people in addiction"Surrender is simple. You just have to admit you need help." — for people still in itHow the Church can actually show up for people in recoveryIf you have someone you love in addiction, if you're in it yourself, or if you've ever wondered what real transformation looks like — this one will preach.Hosted by Austin. Keep Jay in prayer through his recovery.Listen on every platform: linktr.ee/midtownpodcast Learn more about The Way: thewayrecovery.org (or search "The Way Recovery" on your podcast app)

Hayden spent most of his teenage years in and out of juvie, jail, and homelessness — wandering the streets of Florida in active addiction and convinced the world was better off without him. Then a YouTube creator randomly paid his bond, a stranger named Andrew put him on a plane, and somehow Hayden ended up at The Way in Crossville, Tennessee.In this episode, Hayden opens up about hitting rock bottom at 18, the moment he felt Jesus for the first time during an evening devotion, his baptism, the bumpy road of early recovery, and what it means to leave the bubble of a recovery home and step back into the real world.If you're in the middle of your own darkness right now — this one's for you.

This episode of The Way Podcast is one of the most powerful redemption stories we’ve shared yet.Jimmy shares how he was called to preach at just 17 years old, experienced radical encounters with God, led revivals, preached internationally… and then slowly drifted away into addiction, isolation, and destruction.After years of running from God, losing himself, and ending up in jail — everything changed.👉 In this episode, we talk about:Being called to preach at 17 years oldGrowing up around addictionEncountering Jesus for realRadical deliverance from drugs overnightLeading revivals & preaching in IndiaDrifting away from God slowlyLiving a hidden double lifeAddiction, jail, and losing everythingFinding purpose and identity againWhy God still uses broken peopleThis episode is for anyone who feels like they’ve gone too far, messed up their calling, or ruined their future.👉 God still restores people.🎧 Follow The Way Podcast for more real conversations on faith, addiction recovery, and transformation.

This episode of The Way Podcast is a powerful conversation about purpose, calling, and what it looks like to follow Jesus in everyday life.Austin shares how a random encounter at work led to a life-changing relationship with Jesus — and how that moment eventually turned into a growing movement impacting hundreds of people.From leading small Bible studies to building a community of over 1,000 people, this episode dives into what real faith, unity, and surrender actually look like.👉 In this episode, we talk about:Hitting rock bottom and encountering JesusHow one conversation changed everythingStarting a Bible study with zero experienceGrowing a community from 4 people to 1,000+What true unity in the Church really meansReligion vs. relationship with JesusLearning to trust God without having all the answersLetting go of control and following His voiceThis episode is for anyone who feels called to more — but doesn’t know where to start.👉 You don’t have to have it all figured out. Just say yes.🎧 Follow The Way Podcast for more real conversations on faith, recovery, and transformation.

This episode of The Way Podcast is one of the most emotional and powerful conversations we’ve had.Jennifer shares her story of addiction, jail, and recovery — but more than that, she shares what it looks like to walk through unimaginable loss and still choose faith.After losing her child, her faith was tested in ways most people will never understand… but she didn’t walk away from God — she ran toward Him.👉 In this episode, we talk about:Addiction and hitting rock bottomGoing to jail and entering recoveryFinding peace in the middle of chaosFaith being tested through lossWrestling with anger toward GodChoosing to run TO God instead of awayStaying consistent in recovery and faithFinding purpose in helping othersThis episode is for anyone who has experienced loss, grief, or feels like life has hit harder than they can handle.👉 You’re not alone — and God hasn’t left you.🎧 Follow The Way Podcast for more real conversations on faith, recovery, and transformation.

This episode of The Way Podcast is one of the most raw and honest testimonies we’ve shared yet.Logan opens up about starting drugs at just 12 years old, living in addiction for years, going in and out of jail, and struggling with relapse even after encountering God.But this story isn’t about perfection — it’s about persistence, grace, and learning to walk with God daily.👉 In this episode, we talk about:Starting addiction at 12 years oldFeeling different and trying to “fit in”Being labeled the problem and living it outJail, court cases, and hitting rock bottomEncountering God in a faith-based programRelapse after spiritual breakthroughWhy recovery isn’t a one-time decisionThe power of accountability and communityLearning to depend on God dailyThis episode is for anyone who feels stuck, keeps falling back, or wonders if real change is even possible.👉 You are NOT too far gone.🎧 Follow The Way Podcast for more real stories of faith, recovery, and transformation.

This episode of The Way Podcast shares a powerful and relatable story of drifting from God, falling into addiction, and finding purpose on the other side.Pastor Jordan Case opens up about growing up in church, slowly walking away, and how one decision led him into addiction. After losing everything — his family, his identity, and his direction — he hit a breaking point that changed his life forever.Now, he’s leading others and walking in his calling.This episode is for anyone who:Grew up in church but feels far from GodIs struggling with addiction or identityFeels disqualified because of their pastKnows they’re called to something more👉 In this episode, we talk about:Growing up in church but drifting awayThe slow progression into addictionThe exact moment addiction took overLosing family, identity, and purposeHitting rock bottom and choosing changeThe role of community and accountabilityDiscovering God’s calling into ministryOvercoming shame and feeling “unqualified”This is a story of redemption, purpose, and the truth that God can use anyone.🎧 Follow The Way Podcast for more real conversations on faith, recovery, and transformation.

This episode of The Way Podcast is a powerful, raw testimony of redemption, healing, and the transforming power of Jesus.Jedidiah shares his journey from a broken childhood, addiction, prison, and even being paralyzed… to experiencing miraculous healing and true freedom through Christ.This is more than a recovery story — it’s a story of God’s grace, second chances, and the reality that no one is too far gone.If you or someone you know is battling addiction, this episode is proof that freedom is possible.👉 In this episode, we talk about:Growing up in a broken homeBeing excommunicated and turning to addictionYears of drug use, prison, and military lifeNearly dying and becoming paralyzedExperiencing healing through prayerThe moment everything changedFinding purpose through Jesus and recoveryThis is one of the most powerful testimonies we’ve shared yet.🎧 Follow The Way Podcast for more real stories of recovery, faith, and transformation.

In this episode of The Way Podcast, Matt sits down with a very special guest—his father, George.George shares his powerful story of addiction, redemption, and recovery. After years of struggling with drugs, alcohol, and legal trouble, his life reached a turning point that would change everything.Following a life-changing arrest and a decision to enter a halfway house, George began a journey of radical transformation that would eventually lead to nearly four decades of sobriety and a lifelong mission helping others recover.Today George has spent decades working in addiction treatment, helping build recovery programs and treatment centers across Tennessee while continuing to serve people battling addiction.In this episode we talk about:• Growing up around addiction • How drugs and alcohol became a solution to deeper problems • The moment that changed everything • The power of radical life change in recovery • Lessons from 38 years clean • Building treatment programs that help people find freedom • Advice for young entrepreneurs and people starting overThis conversation is full of wisdom about recovery, faith, leadership, and the power of transformation.

In this episode of The Way Podcast, Matt sits down with Billy, a recovery leader, licensed counselor, and someone who has personally walked through the depths of addiction.Billy shares his powerful story of growing up surrounded by substance abuse, falling into addiction himself, and eventually losing control of his life through drugs, crime, and prison sentences.After years of destruction and darkness, Billy found himself completely broken—until one moment changed everything.Through recovery, faith, and a relentless pursuit of freedom, Billy’s life began to transform. Today he serves as a counselor and leader helping others overcome addiction and find hope in recovery.In this conversation, Billy shares:• His battle with addiction and prison • The moment he realized he needed help • How recovery meetings changed his life • Encountering God in the middle of recovery • How he went from addiction to becoming a licensed counselor • The importance of community and hope for those still strugglingIf you or someone you love is battling addiction, Billy’s story is a powerful reminder that transformation and recovery are possible.

In the very first episode of The Way Podcast, host Matt shares his personal story of addiction, brokenness, and the encounter with Jesus that completely changed the direction of his life.For years, Matt struggled with addiction while believing he was a “functioning addict.” As the consequences grew more severe, he found himself in one of the darkest moments of his life—crying out to God with a desperate prayer.What happened next changed everything.In this conversation with his brother Jake, Matt shares the story of his addiction, the moment he encountered Jesus, and how that transformation led to the creation of The Way Ministries, a Christ-centered recovery community now serving men and women across Tennessee.Today The Way houses dozens of people in recovery and continues to grow as lives are restored through faith, discipleship, and community.This episode sets the foundation for the podcast and the heart behind it: sharing real testimonies of freedom, redemption, and the transforming power of Jesus.