Podcast by David Baker
Rise Up: A Recovery Outreach Podcast
Learn about recovery opportunities in Hardin County and hear stories from the recovery community.
Rise Up: A Recovery Outreach Podcast
Latest episodes
29 August 2025
From Struggles to Strength: A Glimpse into AA Meetings with Scott Smotherman
This episode of the Rise Up Recovery podcast features Scott Smotherman, a key figure in the Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) community of Hardin County. Scott recounts the significant role AA has played in his life, helping him navigate through a challenging period and build a foundation for recovery. The conversation delves into the structure and philosophy of AA meetings, emphasizing a welcoming and supportive environment that offers hope to anyone struggling with addiction. Listeners gain insight into the collective strength found within AA, showcasing the powerful impact of shared experiences and mutual support in the journey to sobriety.
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22:33
30 July 2025
Riding from Addiction: Chasity's Journey to Sobriety and Service
This episode of Rise Up Recovery podcast features Chasity Carter, who shares her inspiring journey from addiction to recovery leadership in Hardin County. Her story encompasses early struggles with substance abuse, motherhood at a young age, and ultimately a path to transformation through faith and community support. Chasity and her husband Karl, both in recovery, are now actively engaged in supporting others facing similar challenges. The episode emphasizes the powerful role of community in recovery and details the exciting lineup for the upcoming Recovery Fest, an event designed to connect and uplift those in the recovery community.
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11:43
17 June 2025
18 Years Clean: Mike's Incredible Transformation - Part 3
Through a heartfelt conversation with Mike Emanuel, this podcast explores the intricate layers of addiction and recovery. Mike emphasizes that addiction is not a moral failing, but a complex biopsychosocial issue requiring a holistic approach to treatment. He advocates for addressing the spiritual aspects of recovery, which involve finding purpose, self-worth, and community belonging. By highlighting both the personal and societal dimensions of substance abuse, Mike urges listeners to consider the broader context in which addiction exists and the collective responsibility to create supportive environments for recovery.
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25:12
15 May 2025
18 Years Clean: Mike's Incredible Transformation - Part 2
The podcast episode follows Mike Emanuel's inspiring journey from addiction to becoming a recovery community leader. After rehab, Mike took on the unexpected role of caretaker for a large property in Alabama, where he cultivated a recovery program centered around work, reflection, and nightly campfire discussions on life and faith. Over nine years, his leadership transformed the program from a few individuals to a community of 80, despite dealing with heartbreaking losses. Mike's candid story illustrates the profound impact of community and resilience, alongside the personal sacrifices and emotional complexities involved in addiction recovery support.
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17:35
01 May 2025
18 Years Clean: Mike's Incredible Transformation - Part 1
In this powerful Rise Up Recovery podcast episode, Mike Emanuel shares his harrowing tale of addiction and redemption. After battling alcoholism for nearly two decades, Mike found himself homeless and lost. An encounter with a friend led him to a faith-based rehabilitation program, where he began to rediscover himself and his spirituality. Despite personal tragedies, including the loss of his mother, Mike persevered, completed the program, and embraced a life of sobriety. His story is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the transformative power of faith and community support.
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14:46
17 April 2025
Recovery, Redemption, and Giving Back: Tommy’s Story
In this podcast, David Baker speaks with Tommy Morris, highlighting Tommy’s remarkable recovery journey. Tommy shares insights from his struggle with addiction despite coming from a supportive family background. He credits the Aspell recovery program and drug court for his sobriety, reflecting on how these experiences transformed his life. Tommy is now contributing back to the community as a weekend tech at Aspell, where he helps others in recovery. His story underscores the essential role community and structured programs play in achieving and maintaining sobriety, shining a light on Hardin County's supportive environment for recovery.
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15:19