The Cup of Joe Show

Hard Truths: Richard L. on Depression, Loneliness, and Recovery

He told his son, 'You’re an addict.' His son fired back, 'You’re an alcoholic.' That moment changed everything.
In this raw and moving episode of The Cup of Joe Show, Richard L. opens up about a life shaped by alcohol, depression, and profound loss. Sober since January 5, 2014, Richard shares how his drinking escalated from college fraternity parties to a career built around never being far from a bottle. Multiple marriages collapsed under the weight of addiction, and years of treatment-resistant depression only deepened the spiral.
After years of self-medicating and watching his life unravel, Richard reached a breaking point in an unforgettable moment with his son—both struggling, both facing addiction, and both finally willing to step into recovery. That decision marked the beginning of his sober journey.
Richard speaks openly about his battle with social anxiety, the pain of living with depression, and the devastating grief of losing Jan—the love of his life—in 2023. Through it all, he has found strength in sobriety, community, and a commitment to keep moving forward, one day at a time.
This episode is for anyone who has faced addiction, mental health struggles, or grief—and wondered how to keep going. Richard’s story reminds us that healing is possible, even in life’s darkest valleys.
👉 If this conversation moves you, please like, subscribe, and share this episode so more people can hear stories of hope and transformation.
🌐 For daily encouragement and inspiration, visit our friends at Daily Ponderables.
If you or someone you love is struggling with suicidal thoughts, please reach out for help:📞 Call or Text National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988
The Cup of Joe Show explores the journey of recovery from alcohol and drug addiction—one story, one conversation, and one step at a time. New Episode Every Thursday at Noon.

Blind Hope: Mia C. Filling the Emptiness

Her days don’t feel like light years anymore—that’s the gift of recovery.
On this episode of The Cup of Joe Show we hear recovery from a family perspective few people know firsthand. Mia C., sober since May 31, 2024, was raised by her loving grandfather while both parents battled addiction. She learned to hide in plain sight—living a “quadruple life” that changed depending on who was watching. Alcohol felt like ease and comfort until blackout nights, mounting shame, and suicidal despair made being with herself unbearable.
Therapy planted a seed, but it wasn’t until she walked into a women’s AA meeting—agnostic, scared, and desperate—that Mia found what she calls “blind hope.” She got a sponsor, worked the steps, made hard amends (including a moving reconciliation with her grandfather), and began doing the footwork that turned results into real change.
Today Mia lives with a sense of peace and purpose she never thought possible; she’s teachable, of service to others, and patient with her mom’s journey—saying she’ll be there when her mom is ready.
If Mia’s story speaks to you, please like, subscribe, and share—and remember, you don’t have to do this alone.
🌐 For daily encouragement and inspiration, visit our friends at Daily Ponderables.
If you or someone you love is struggling with suicidal thoughts, please reach out for help:📞 Call or Text National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988
The Cup of Joe Show explores the journey of recovery from alcohol and drug addiction—one story, one conversation, and one step at a time. New Episode Every Thursday at Noon.

Shanna C. Finds Grace in God’s Promise

She wrote a letter to the man who murdered her mother—and forgave him.
On this episode of The Cup of Joe Show, Shanna C. shares a story that is both heartbreaking and redemptive. Growing up in a family marked by divorce and instability, she struggled with self-image, loneliness, and what she now calls a deep spiritual malady long before her first drink. Alcohol became her escape, and soon her life revolved around drinking, men, and a desperate search for connection.
Then came the moment that changed everything: on October 13, 1998, Shanna’s mother was murdered by her stepfather, Larry. Haunted by guilt over her final words to her mom, Shanna spiraled deeper into alcoholism—even as she married the love of her life and tried to outrun the pain through moves and distractions.
Her turning point came in the most unexpected way—through a stranger at church who nudged her toward recovery. With the support of AA and Al-Anon, Shanna realized she was an alcoholic, and on October 13, 2008—exactly ten years after her mother’s death—she embraced sobriety.
In a remarkable act of grace, Shanna wrote a letter to Larry in prison, telling him she forgave him. His response showed her that they were both set free.
Her journey is a profound reminder that recovery is about more than just not drinking—it’s about experiencing God’s promises, freedom through forgiveness, and the power of love to heal the deepest wounds.
🌟 For daily encouragement, visit Daily Ponderables — your source for inspiration 365 days a year.
🙏 Please like, share, and subscribe to The Cup of Joe Show so more people can find hope through these powerful recovery stories.
The Cup of Joe Show explores the journey of recovery from alcohol and drug addiction—one story, one conversation, and one step at a time. New Episode Every Thursday at Noon.

Buck D. Gets Honest and Out of the Way

His life is proof: you’re never too far gone to be brought back
Buck D. has been sober since January 15, 2009, but his journey began in chaos. Growing up in Arkansas, his father—a brilliant but violent WWII bomber pilot—brought trauma and alcoholism into the home. After his parents’ divorce, 8-year-old Buck and his brother ended up homeless in Kansas before being returned to their mother and grandparents.
As a teen, Buck spiraled into drinking, run-ins with the law, and eventually the Navy, where he lived up to the “drunken sailor” reputation. His life became a cycle of marriages, DUIs, institutions, and relapses. Though first introduced to AA in 1976, Buck wasn’t ready to change.
He hit devastating lows: detoxing in state hospitals, homelessness in Texas, and even a failed suicide attempt. Yet along the way, there were God moments—including hearing a voice telling him he’d be okay, and his sponsor Ted showing up at his driveway when Buck was ready to give drinking up for good.
That intervention brought him back to recovery in 2009. Since then, Buck has faced loss, rebuilt his life, and found deep faith, service, and love with his wife Becky. He says recovery finally began when he “got honest and out of the way.”
Today, Buck’s story is a testament to resilience, faith, and the power of never giving up.
⚠️ If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, please call or text the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988. You are not alone.
🌐 For daily encouragement and inspiration, visit our friends at Daily Ponderables.
The Cup of Joe Show explores the journey of recovery from alcohol and drug addiction—one story, one conversation, and one step at a time. New Episode Every Thursday at Noon.

Locked Up, Lifted Up: How Faith Rebuilt John C.’s Life

He loved getting high more than he loved his family—until he gave his life to Christ and everything changed.
On this episode of The Cup of Joe Show, John C. takes us inside a life that spiraled from childhood chaos in Chicago to years spent in jails, prisons, and meth labs. By the time he was facing 20 years in prison, John had lost nearly everything—his health, his family, and his will to live.
But in a faith-based rehab program, something shifted. John came to the hard truth about his addiction, gave his life to Jesus Christ, and began the slow, steady climb toward freedom. Though sentenced to 10 years, he was paroled by what he calls the Grace of God, and instead of running back to old habits, he chose a new mission: helping others find the same redemption he discovered.
Today, John is a husband, stepdad, and adoptive father, working in the field of recovery and pursuing his credentials to become a licensed professional. His story is raw, real, and proof that no one is beyond a second chance.
🙏 If John’s story inspires you, please like, share, and subscribe to The Cup of Joe Show so more people can hear stories of hope and transformation.
🌟 For daily encouragement, visit Daily Ponderables — your source for inspiration 365 days a year.
The Cup of Joe Show explores the journey of recovery from alcohol and drug addiction—one story, one conversation, and one step at a time. New Episode Every Thursday at Noon.

Megan G. Fills the Hole in Her Soul

No matter how deep the pain, recovery can transform it into purpose.
On this moving episode of The Cup of Joe Show, Megan G. shares a story of heartbreak, resilience, and spiritual awakening. An only child whose father left and later died by suicide, Megan spent her life trying to fill what she calls “the gaping hole in my soul.” Horses gave her purpose for a time, but alcohol quickly became her escape.
Drinking escalated into blackouts, postpartum depression set in, and her marriage turned toxic. Multiple DUIs, cycles of rehab and relapse followed as she couldn’t hold onto sobriety, always blaming others and refusing to take responsibility.
Her turning point came when she admitted her life was unmanageable and finally chose honesty. She began building a relationship with God, discovering what she calls her “sixth sense”—a conscious connection that helps her walk through fear instead of running from it.
Sober since February 14, 2025, Megan has rebuilt a relationship with her children and founded A Mindful Flow, a wellness brand blending yoga, sound healing, meditation, and somatic practices to help others on their healing journey.
📚 Mentioned in this episode: The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk🌟 For daily inspiration and encouragement, visit Daily Ponderables — your source for recovery wisdom 365 days a year.
🙏 Please like, share, and subscribe to The Cup of Joe Show so more people can find hope through these powerful recovery stories.
The Cup of Joe Show explores the journey of recovery from alcohol and drug addiction—one story, one conversation, and one step at a time. New Episode Every Thursday at Noon.

Awake and Unafraid: Melisa S. Embraces Humility

She thought her job was to fix everyone else—until recovery showed her, she was the one who needed healing.
In this unforgettable episode of The Cup of Joe Show, we shine a light on a side of recovery that often goes unheard—the families and loved ones of alcoholics and addicts. Meet Melisa S., who’s been walking her Al-Anon journey since July 2000.
Growing up in Southern California in what she calls the “C.I.A.”—Catholic Irish Alcoholics—Melisa learned early how to keep secrets, play chameleon, and lose herself in people-pleasing and fixing others. Her story takes us through the chaos of loving someone in active addiction—federal raids, a marriage marked by infidelity and drug abuse, even a moment of rage that landed her in handcuffs.
Through recovery, Melisa discovered she wasn’t a victim but a volunteer. She learned to let go, face her fears, and rebuild her life from scratch with humility, courage, and faith. These days, she leans into gratitude, sponsors others, and relies on practical tips you will not want to miss to stay grounded.
Melisa’s journey is raw, humbling, and inspiring—a reminder that recovery isn’t just for the addict, but for everyone touched by the ripple effects of addiction.
🙏 Please like, share, and subscribe to The Cup of Joe Show so more people can hear stories of hope and transformation.
🌟 For daily encouragement, visit Daily Ponderables — your source for inspiration 365 days a year.
📌 Mentioned in this episode:
📖 Courage to Change and Just for Today
Cup of Joe Show explores the journey of recovery from alcohol and drug addiction—one story, one conversation, and one step at a time. New Episode Every Thursday at Noon.

No More Eggshells: Jamie K. from Chaos to Clarity

The day he lost his life was the day she chose to live.
In this unforgettable episode of The Cup of Joe Show, Jamie K. shares a raw and redemptive journey from blackout drinking and heartbreak to serenity and self-worth. Jamie lost her father to addiction as an infant and grew up feeling like she never quite fit in.
Her early years were filled with rebellion, pain, and a desperate search for belonging—from dropping out of high school to joining the Marines, from huffing to heroin, and toxic relationships that nearly took her under.
Everything changed on September 21, 2013, the day she found her boyfriend dead from an overdose. In that painful window of desperation, something shifted—she reached for help and didn’t let go. With the support of her mother, the VA, a sponsor, and the 12 steps, Jamie began rebuilding her life, one act of service at a time.
Now, over a decade sober, she’s no longer walking on eggshells. Jamie lives peacefully with her pets, surrounded by serenity, self-respect, and the spiritual freedom that comes from doing the work.
🔗 Also mentioned in this episode: The Cup of Joe Show – David S.: 15 Years Sober, From Prison to Purpose🌟 For daily inspiration and encouragement, visit Daily Ponderables — your source for recovery wisdom 365 days a year.
🙏 Like what you hear? Please like, share, and subscribe to The Cup of Joe Show so more people can find hope through these powerful recovery stories.
The Cup of Joe Show explores the journey of recovery from alcohol and drug addiction—one story, one conversation, and one step at a time. New Episode Every Thursday at Noon.

GED PhD: John S. Finds the Willingness to Recover

"God, this is John… reporting for duty." — John S.
In this deeply inspiring episode of The Cup of Joe Show, John S. shares how he went from blackout drinking at 13 to earning a PhD in molecular biology and immunology. Raised in what he calls an “Alcoholic Atheist Family,” John always felt separate and off-kilter—an overthinker who lacked the drive to follow through. Alcohol was his solution… until it stopped working.
He was kicked out of school, his house, and hope. But through the grace of Al-Anon—and a mother who refused to give up on him—John found recovery. The first few years were dry but hollow. Real transformation came when a sponsor introduced him to a new way of life rooted in spiritual practice, daily willingness, and genuine service.
Today, John urges others to jump into the heart of recovery: home group, service, step work, and connection. His story isn’t just about success—it’s about surrender, and how showing up with an open heart can change everything.
👉 Like, follow, and share this episode with someone who needs to know that being lost isn’t the end—it’s just the beginning.
🌟 Visit our friends at Daily Ponderables — your source for encouragement & inspiration 365 days a year.
The Cup of Joe Show explores the journey of recovery from alcohol and drug addiction—one story, one conversation, and one step at a time. New Episode Every Thursday at Noon.

Off Skid Row: Joe K. Calms the Storm Within

Under a bridge, drinking Carlo Rossi, grilling a stolen steak on a sideways shopping cart—he thought he’d made it.
In this gripping episode of The Cup of Joe Show, Joe K. shares his wild, raw, and redemptive story of recovery. Born into a working-class family in Southern California with a firefighter dad and nurse mom, Joe’s world was rocked by a bitter divorce at age 10—and that same year, he had his first blackout. By 14, he’d dropped out of school, hit the road with the Grateful Dead, and began a 12-year stretch living homeless along the Pacific Coast.
From jail cells to makeshift camps under Seattle bridges, Joe wore his pain like armor—proudly calling himself a "skid row drunk." But under the bravado was a broken man praying for it all to end.
Everything changed the day he followed a “cute” girl into a 12-step meeting—and met Jenny, a woman in recovery who helped him take his very first commitment: vacuuming the floor. That small act sparked a transformation that would reshape his life. With time, guidance, and spiritual work, Joe found peace, purpose, and a powerful connection to a Higher Power.
Now sober since 2006, Joe has expunged 11 convictions, earned multiple degrees including a master’s, and found deep love with his fiancée, Jennifer. He believes life isn’t measured in years—it’s measured in dogs—and every step forward is an act of faith.
💥 Listen, subscribe, and share—because someone you know might need this story today.
🌟 Brought to you in partnership with Daily Ponderables — your daily source for encouragement and inspiration, 365 days a year.
The Cup of Joe Show explores the journey of recovery from alcohol and drug addiction—one story, one conversation, and one step at a time. New Episode Every Thursday at Noon.