Powerless 2 Powerful Podcast

In this episode of Powerless 2 Powerful, we sit down with Rodney Pieres, a musician, business owner, and ministry leader serving people on the streets of Phoenix. Rodney shares how his life started in Maui, led to getting signed in Los Angeles during the early grunge era, and quickly turned into years of addiction. What began as partying in the music scene turned into meth, crack, heroin, and alcohol, eventually leading him to prison after years of trying and failing to get sober.While incarcerated, everything shifted. Rodney talks about the moment he walked into a prison chapel, broke down, and had a real encounter with God that changed the direction of his life. From there, he committed to recovery, started putting in the work, and never looked back. Today he runs a ministry on the streets, helps others find a way out, builds businesses, and creates music with purpose. This episode is about surrender, second chances, and what can happen when someone actually follows through.

In this episode of Powerless 2 Powerful, we sit down with Robert Picard, founder of the Ruthless No Days Off movement, for a raw conversation about addiction, prison, faith, and the power of redemption. Robert shares his journey from growing up in Phoenix to battling addiction, spending years in and out of prison, and ultimately facing a moment in court that forced him to confront everything he had become. What followed was a turning point, surrendering his old life, finding faith, and committing to a path of recovery and service.Today, Robert uses his story to mentor others, speak inside recovery communities, and help people rebuild their lives through discipline, faith, and the “No Days Off” mindset. From working with special needs youth to launching a coaching platform and growing a movement centered around accountability and purpose, Robert’s mission is clear. Prove that no matter how far someone has fallen, transformation is possible with the right mindset and the willingness to change. 💪 From Powerless 2 Powerful. Available on all major streaming platforms! Reach out to us at www.DesertRecoveryCenters.com

In this powerful episode of Powerless 2 Powerful, we sit down with Cesar Reynaga, Director of Mentorship at Phoenix Oasis, to unpack a story that stretches from juvenile hall and prison politics to faith, fatherhood, and full restoration. Cesar opens up about using meth, taking a 10-year sentence for his brother, living by street code, and eventually landing in Arizona prison where everything finally broke. After a long road, he hit a level of surrender that changed the trajectory of his life.What followed wasn’t overnight success. It was mentorship, step work, spiritual awakening, and rebuilding from the ground up. Today, Cesar lives as a resource to help others find help and a husband and father who once believed he’d die in the streets. This episode is about brokenness turning into purpose, generational curses being interrupted, and proof that no one is too far gone to build something new. 📍 Need help? Phoenix Oasis www.PHXOasis.com623-299-5678💪 From Powerless 2 Powerful. Available on all major streaming platforms! Reach out to us at www.DesertRecoveryCenters.com

In this explosive and deeply inspiring episode of Powerless 2 Powerful, we sit down with Danny Diederich who is a recovery warrior, entrepreneur, and living proof that no past is too dark to rewrite.Danny’s story starts early. Juvenile hall, meth, heroin, a career criminal. Gang task force target. Four felony gun charges. By all statistics, he wasn’t supposed to win. But sobriety changed everything.After a life-altering moment in treatment and a radical spiritual awakening, Danny made a decision that would redefine his entire existence. He chose recovery! Danny is raw. Honest. Unfiltered. And deeply spiritual. If you’ve ever believed you were too far gone… If you’ve ever thought your record defined you… If you’ve ever felt like prison was your identity…This episode will shake you.Because the greatest gift Danny says he ever received, outside of his kids, was sobriety. And now he’s giving it away at scale.📍 Need help? Reach Out!www.AnchorNM.comLas Cruces, New Mexico: (575) 639-7247Albuquerque, New Mexico: (505) 418-8524💪 From Powerless 2 Powerful. Available on all major streaming platforms!Reach out to us at www.DesertRecoveryCenters.com

In this powerful episode of Powerless 2 Powerful, we sit down with Roy Robins, co-founder and Director of Compliance at Mana Health & Wellness, for an honest conversation about purpose, perseverance, and building a treatment center rooted in heart.Roy shares the real story behind Mana Health & Wellness. A family-led behavioral health organization built after devastating personal loss, years of sacrifice, and an unwavering commitment to doing things the right way even when it would have been easier to quit.We talk about relocating from Hawaii, surviving Arizona’s behavioral health moratorium, liquidating personal assets just to stay alive, and the moment a former client’s family made an unexpected $175,000 donation simply because they believed in the work and the people behind it.Mana Health & Wellness isn’t just another clinic hanging a license on the wall. It’s a twelve-thousand-square sq ft commitment to dignity, accountability, and real opportunity where clients don’t just graduate treatment, they leave with a path forward.If you care about recovery, ethics in treatment, or what it actually takes to build something meaningful in this industry, this episode is a must-listen.📍 Mana Health & Wellness 4550 N Black Canyon Hwy, Phoenix, AZ Outpatient • PHP • Reentry • Vocational Programming💪 From Powerless 2 Powerful. Available on all major streaming platforms!Reach out to us at www.DesertRecoveryCenters.com

In this unforgettable episode of Powerless 2 Powerful, we sit down with Daniel Busch known to many from Love After Lockup, and known to us as a man doing the real work of recovery.Daniel’s story is raw, complicated, and deeply human. From growing up in instability, early drug use, crime, and a lengthy prison sentence… to being released from prison with a reality TV camera crew waiting at the gate, this episode explores what happens when fame, freedom, addiction, and unresolved trauma collide.We talk openly about prison pen pals, meeting Bianca, navigating a relationship under public scrutiny, and the pressure of reality television while trying to rebuild a life from scratch. Daniel shares what it was like to parole to a relationship he barely knew, how things unraveled, and the relapse, overdose, and parole violation that followed.But this is not a crash and burn story… it’s a turning point story.Daniel opens up about landing at Maricopa Reentry Center, surrendering for real, doing the uncomfortable work, and finally building a foundation rooted in honesty, accountability, fitness, and service. Today, Daniel works in the recovery field himself moving from peer support into case management and helping others walk the path he nearly lost his life on.If you’ve ever wondered what happens after the cameras stop rolling or if recovery is possible after everything falls apart then this conversation answers it with brutal honesty and real hope.🎧 Listen in. Share it with someone who needs hope.💪 From Powerless 2 Powerful. Available on all major streaming platforms!Reach out to us at www.DesertRecoveryCenters.com

In this powerful episode of Powerless 2 Powerful, we sit down with Drake Brown of SOBA Recovery Center. We unpack a story of desperation, surrender, and full-circle redemption.Drake’s journey begins in Tucson. A childhood shaped by instability, early drinking, pills, and eventually a full-blown opioid addiction. What followed was years of chipping, military service in the Coast Guard, geographic fixes, relapse, homelessness, and running from reality until everything finally collapsed.This episode goes deep into the moments most people don’t talk about. Living out of stolen cars. Driving dealers just to stay loaded. Police chases. Hiding in dumpsters. Wanting to die but being kept alive by the next fix.Drake shares how a last-ditch scholarship into SOBA Recovery Center changed everything, not because it was easy, but because it demanded honesty, service, and accountability. From showing up sick to groups, working the steps, finding integrity, and rebuilding relationships, this conversation shows what happens when someone becomes teachable and stays willing.Today, Drake works for the very place that once saved his life helping others access treatment, navigate long-term care, and find real recovery with dignity. His story is proof that recovery works when it’s rooted in integrity, service, and action.If you’ve ever felt trapped, lost, or unable to tell the truth from the false then this episode is for you!🎧 Listen in. Share it with someone who needs hope.💪 From Powerless 2 Powerful. Available on all major streaming platforms!Reach out to us at www.DesertRecoveryCenters.com

In this unforgettable episode, we sit down with Alex Aiken of Legacy Healing Centers for a raw, honest conversation about addiction, survival, and what it really takes to rebuild a life from the ground up.Alex’s story is intense, real, and painfully relatable. From growing up loved but still lost… to heroin addiction, juvenile drug court, prison time, relapse after relapse, and ultimately a near-death medical crisis that required open-heart surgery, this episode pulls no punches.We talk about the lies, manipulation, and chaos of active addiction. The baffling feature of knowing the consequences but being unable to stop and the moment everything changed. Alex shares what it was like waking up restrained in a hospital bed, learning his heart valve had been replaced, and realizing he had one final chance to live. From there, the story shifts to recovery done the hard way. Virtual treatment during COVID, IOP, 12-step work, sponsorship, discipline, and service. Alex opens up about rebuilding trust with his mom, finding purpose in helping others, and eventually stepping into a leadership role with a national treatment organization.This episode is a powerful reminder that recovery, like addiction, is progressive, purpose is earned, and change is possible even when the odds say otherwise. If you or someone you love is struggling, this conversation may be the nudge that saves a life.This is one you don't skip!🎧 Listen in. Share it with someone who needs hope. 💪 From Powerless 2 Powerful. Available on all major streaming platforms!Reach out to us at www.DesertRecoveryCenters.com

In this powerful and deeply personal episode, we sit down once again with Adam Tronnier. A living example of what’s possible when grit, accountability, and community collide.Adam’s journey is one of radical transformation. From addiction, incarceration, and unimaginable loss to becoming a national sales director, mentor, and leader helping hundreds of men rewrite their lives. This conversation pulls back the curtain on what real redemption actually looks like.We talk openly about growing up in chaos, the fast descent into drugs and crime, multiple prison sentences, and the painful moments that finally forced change. If you’ve ever thought “must be nice” when looking at someone else’s success, this episode explains the cost behind the outcome.This isn’t a highlight reel.It’s the work.The pain.The discipline.And the proof that change is possible.Reach out to us at www.DesertRecoveryCenters.com

In this powerful episode of Powerless 2 Powerful, we sit down with Bob Schober, a man whose story is a living blueprint for transformation, leadership, and redemption.Bob shares his journey from homelessness, addiction, and a life on the streets. Following the Grateful Dead and surviving day-to-day to building one of the most impactful roofing organizations in the country and helping hundreds of men COMPLETELY rewrite their futures.With 28 years of sobriety, Bob opens up about recovery, discipline, mentorship, and the responsibility that comes with success. We dive deep into how he and his team are changing lives, creating real pathways for formerly incarcerated men to go from the yard to six-figure careers and doing it with integrity, structure, and purpose.This is an honest, raw conversation about faith, recovery, resilience, and building something that actually matters for yourself and for others.If you’re in recovery, rebuilding your life, starting over after incarceration, or simply looking for proof that transformation is possible, this episode is for you.🎧 Listen in. Share it with someone who needs hope. 💪 From powerless… 2 powerful. Available on all major streaming platforms!Check out Bob! @9FigureRoofer on ALL PLATFORMSReach out to us at www.DesertRecoveryCenters.com

In this episode, Jason and Ron sit down with Isabella Roybal, soccer standout and now Director of Compliance at Nexus Wellness Clinic, to talk about the power of connection, recovery, and redemption.From CIF-winning soccer champion to struggling with addiction, homelessness, and trauma, Isabella’s story is one of brutal honesty, grace, and second chances. She shares her journey through assault, overdose, and recovery. Her mother’s mantra, “On to the next,” inspired the name and mission of Nexus Wellness, to be the connecting point to someone’s next step in life.Jason, Ron, and Isabella discuss how trauma and mental health drive addiction, how programs like Nexus Wellness Clinic and Desert Recovery Centers work hand-in-hand to create real re-entry opportunities, and why love, structure, and community are the keys to healing.🏥 NEXUS WELLNESS CLINIC📍 Phoenix, AZ 🌐 nexuswellnessclinic.com 📞 602-980-3862🏥 DESERT RECOVERY CENTERS🌐 www.DesertRecoveryCenters.com 🎧 Powerless 2 Powerful Podcast available on All Streaming Platforms

In this episode, Jason and Ron sit down with Mike Loverde, Founder and CEO of Family First Intervention, the largest intervention organization in the country. Mike shares his raw, powerful story. From a finance graduate turned homeless addict to one of the nation’s most successful leading voices in family-centered recovery work.He opens up about the broken system that forgets the families left behind, the chaos of enabling, and how his own mother’s tough love and an unforgettable intervention changed everything.Mike breaks down how Family First helps families change the environment, not just the addict. We discuss building and sticking to boundaries, accountability, and healing on both sides of addiction. The conversation dives deep into the fentanyl epidemic, the failures of modern therapy, and why truth-based, family-driven recovery is just what works.This episode is brutally honest, deeply insightful, and full of hope for anyone walking through the pain of addiction in their home.🏠 CONNECT WITH FAMILY FIRST INTERVENTION🌐 www.Family-Intervention.com🎧 Powerless 2 Powerful Podcast available on All Streaming Platforms

In this powerful episode, Jason and Ron sit down with Justin Lawson, a man whose story embodies the phrase powerless to powerful.Justin’s journey began in Northern California. A good kid from a loving home who had no idea how deep alcohol and drugs would take him. From baseball dreams and construction crews to shooting dope in a hospital bathroom while his newborn was on the other side of the door, Justin’s story is one of brutal honesty, pain, and ultimate redemption.He shares how he lost everything. We discuss his freedom, his family, his son’s mother, and how God, Crossroads, and the 12 Steps gave him a second chance. From being kicked out of treatment to returning just months later ready to surrender, Justin transformed his entire life through service, faith, and recovery. Today, he’s the Operations Manager at Crossroads, helping hundreds of men and women rebuild their lives the same way he did.This conversation dives deep into fatherhood, addiction, relapse, faith, and the reality of recovery. This is the kind of raw truth that makes Powerless 2 Powerful one of the most impactful podcasts in the Arizona recovery community.🏠 CONNECT WITH CROSSROADS📍 2002 E Osborne Rd, Phoenix, AZ 🕗 Doors open at 8:00 AM (arrive early – first come, first served) 💬 Accepts AHCCCS, private insurance, and grants. 🌐 thecrossroadsinc.org🎧 Powerless 2 Powerful Podcast available on All Streaming Platforms

Today we sit down with Drew “Rhino” Neiertz — father, leader, and Senior Project Manager at ProWest / Interstate Roofing, overseeing teams across 22 states.From foster homes and juvenile detention to multiple prison sentences in 3 states, Drew’s story sits in the definition of powerless to powerful. Known behind razor wire as “Rhino,” Drew was all aggression and no direction until recovery, faith, and discipline flipped the script.Now he leads one of the largest organically grown sales forces in the roofing industry, mentoring men from recovery and incarceration into six-figure earners, fathers, and leaders. This episode dives deep into what happens when recovery meets real-world results.

Today we welcome Matt Langford! Mentor, sponsor, and Chief Sales Officer of Valor Contracting. Matt’s journey is the definition of Powerless to Powerful. In and out of prison, a childhood surrounded by chaos, addiction, and violence all transformed into a story of faith, service, and entrepreneurship. Jason & Ron revisit how Matt sponsored Jason, finding freedom through the steps, and how that same discipline built one of Arizona’s fastest-growing roofing companies. This is one of the most emotional and powerful episodes yet packed with spiritual awakening, leadership, and redemption.

Today we sit down with Zac Ponczak, Director of Business Development at The Embers (PHP/IOP/OP + luxury sober living). Zac opens up about his journey—from high-risk polysubstance use and a brutal run that ended in a moment of clarity—to rebuilding his life through service, sponsorship, and professional growth across multiple programs. We go deep on why documentation = advocacy, how to coordinate true continuum of care (DRC residential → Embers PHP/IOP/OP → sober living), and the Embers’ FOSS framework (a salutogenic, strengths-based approach grounded in positive psychology and evidence-based care).

Julio grew up on the south side of Chicago, survived childhood abuse, gang life, and years in Mexican and federal prisons. He lays out the brutal turning points that hardened him and the waking moment that drove him to change, from suicidal desperation to a life built on discipline, faith, and daily practice. In this episode Julio explains how he turned survival skills into leadership, how Wrong to Strong grew from pain into purpose, and why mentoring inside prisons and working with young men is the work that matters most to him now. Raw, honest, and unflinching, this conversation maps the path from violence and addiction to service, teaching, and real emotional repair.

In this deeply personal and inspiring episode, Jason sits down with Mike Cunningham, a key leader at AZ Hope and Healing Addiction Treatment Centers — an addiction treatment center with locations across Mesa, Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Surprise. Offering services like Residential Treatment, PHP, IOP, Sober Living, and a dedicated Veterans Program, AZ Hope and Healing creates space for healing through both clinical and spiritual transformation.Mike shares his powerful journey from addiction to recovery, diving into how his early feelings of discomfort, disconnection, and overthinking led him to experiment with substances as young as third grade. From inhaling rubber cement to drinking and engaging in risky behaviors by middle school, Mike's story uncovers the painful truth of using substances to escape emotional turmoil.Through faith, surrender, and community, Mike found his way to recovery—and even had the humbling experience of helping his own father begin his sobriety journey. This episode is a vulnerable, honest look at the way addiction affects generations, and how hope, healing, and belief in something greater can break the cycle.Learn more about Hope and Healing Center here: https://azhopeandhealing.com/

Stronger Together: Building Community in Recovery with Bobby BoykinIn this powerful episode, Jason sits down with Bobby Boykin, Executive Director of Guiding Road Recovery and a respected leader in the Arizona recovery community. Bobby opens up about his personal journey through addiction and how faith, mentorship, and accountability helped shape the man he is today—committed, present, and grounded in family and purpose.Together, Jason and Bobby discuss the evolving landscape of recovery, and why unity in the treatment space is more critical than ever. From the importance of structured sponsor assignments to fostering real connection in treatment, Bobby shares the unique approach at Guiding Road Recovery—a 20-bed facility offering PHP, IOP with supportive housing, and a program deeply rooted in the 12 steps.This episode is an honest and inspiring reminder that healing happens in community—and we’re stronger when we work together.

From Rock Bottom to Recovery Innovation | Guest: Joey Landin, CEO of Sanctuary Recovery CentersIn this episode of Powerless 2 Powerful, we sit down with Joey Landin, the founder and CEO of Sanctuary Recovery Centers, who shares his inspiring journey from homelessness and addiction to building two thriving, purpose-driven companies — all while in sober living.With over 16 years in recovery and a deep commitment to helping others find freedom, Joey walks us through the beginnings of Sanctuary — starting with the very first home and growing it into more than 5 recovery facilities across the Phoenix Metro area. But this episode is about more than the growth of a business. It’s about the power of hope, innovation, and community in the recovery world.Joey opens up about how Sanctuary Recovery Centers is working to improve long-term success rates in recovery — from 30% to 55–60% — through trauma-informed care, deep data analysis, and truly listening to what each individual needs to thrive. From helping individuals battling addiction to supporting survivors of sex trafficking and providing adolescent-focused care, Joey’s mission is clear: recovery is possible when we commit to learning, adapting, and leading with heart.Need help or want to learn more?Call 1-844-798-TRUE or visit www.sanctuaryrc.com

In this episode of Powerless 2 Powerful, Rich Cooley joins us to share his incredible journey from addiction to a life of service. With over 30 years in recovery, Rich talks about growing up in Los Angeles, joining the Army, and how early struggles with guilt, shame, and fear led him down a destructive path. He opens up about using alcohol as a way to cope, losing connection with family, and how true recovery began once he faced the real reasons behind his addiction.Today, Rich uses his experiences to guide others on their path to healing with compassion and understanding. In a heartfelt moment, Ron shares a deeply personal story about his father’s health battle and the miracle that followed. Against all odds—and through the undeniable power of prayer and faith—Ron’s father miraculously recovered, called Ron from the hospital, and shared a deeply moving message of love. The entire team at Powerless 2 Powerful and Desert Recovery Centers send their continued prayers, support, and love to Ron and his family during this time. This episode is a true reminder of redemption, hope, and the second chances that come from never giving up.

In this episode, Jason sits down with Mark North—Founder and CEO of Guiding Road Recovery Center, a true all-star in the recovery community, a committed service sponsor, and a Knight of the Round Table.Together, they explore a powerful truth: competition in recovery doesn't matter when a fentanyl death occurs every four minutes. The real mission is saving lives—and that’s where Mark’s passion shines through.Mark shares the journey that led him to create Guiding Road Recovery Center, highlighting their Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) with housing and their Outpatient Program (OP). He discusses how they intentionally built a community-focused recovery model, knowing firsthand how critical connection, support, and fellowship are to long-term success.Mark also opens up about his personal story—how faith, community, and recovery transformed his life, leading him to marriage, family, true friendship, and a healthy, purpose-driven life. His story is a testament to what’s possible when you commit to change and surround yourself with the right people.If you're looking for hope, community, and inspiration, this episode delivers.

Building a Foundation for Recovery with Antony PayneIn this episode of Powerless 2 Powerful, we’re joined by Antony Payne, co-founder of The Embers Recovery, a premier recovery center in the Valley committed to redefining what true support looks like in sobriety.Antony shares his personal journey through addiction and recovery, opening up about the challenges he faced—and the life he’s built in service of others. More than just a treatment center, The Embers is a space of transformation, focused on life skill development, case management, and community connection.Through a strong foundation of communication, resources, and collaboration, The Embers Recovery makes it easier for those seeking help to get the support they truly need.Whether you're in recovery, supporting a loved one, or just looking for inspiration—you’ll want to hear this story of resilience, growth, and community.Check out The Embers Recovery here: https://embersrecovery.com

In this powerful episode of Powerless 2 Powerful, we sit down with Adam Leonard, Director of Admissions, to discuss the life-changing journey of recovery—both from a professional and personal perspective.Adam plays a key role in helping individuals take their first step toward sobriety, placing admissions into recovery houses, and guiding them through the transition to a new way of life. But his passion for helping others comes from his own experience with addiction and transformation.

In this powerful episode, Jason and Ron sit down with Dr. An Nguyen, Clinical Psychologist and Clinical Director at Desert Recovery Centers, to talk about the real work of recovery—and why true transformation only happens when someone is ready to change.Dr. Nguyen shares an unforgettable analogy that defines her approach:If I offer you a bowl with 100 grapes for your 30 days, you might only eat 10 of them. But those 10 might be exactly what you needed to keep going.That’s the philosophy behind the program at Desert Recovery Centers—they provide the full bowl: evidence-based therapies, group and individual counseling, life skills, and a deeply committed clinical team. But in the end, each person takes what they’re ready for, and that’s where the journey begins.Dr. Nguyen also opens up about the challenges of working within insurance timeframes, the importance of addressing core issues head-on, and how her team’s ability to quickly build trust makes a real difference in outcomes.With honesty, compassion, and zero sugarcoating, Dr. Nguyen explains how Desert Recovery Centers equips individuals with the tools they need—but the choice to use them is always personal.This is a must-watch for anyone navigating recovery, supporting a loved one, or working in the behavioral health space.

The Powerless2Powerful Podcast brings together real stories of resilience, addiction, and recovery. Join us as Blayne Archer from  @DesertRecoveryCenters sits down to share his past struggles, the challenges he faced, and how he found a path to healing.Raw, honest, and inspiring—these conversations remind us that recovery is possible and that no one has to face it alone.👍 Please LIKE, SHARE, and SUBSCRIBE for more inspiring stories.#addictionrecovery #addictiontreatment #recoverycenter #arizona