In this episode hosts talk with Zach Buckalew and his wife Ashley Buckalew about surviving childhood trauma, parental addiction, and sexual abuse, and how those experiences led to long battles with substances (OxyContin, meth, Subutex and more). Both share candid memories of growing up in chaotic homes, the consequences of addiction, and the moment faith and community began to change their lives.

Listeners will hear about key turning points—meeting at a tent revival, treatment programs like Agape Life Gardens, the role of forgiveness, and the power of Christ-centered recovery. Honest, vulnerable, and faith-focused, the conversation challenges stigma, highlights practical struggles and victories in sobriety, and offers hope for anyone facing addiction or supporting a loved one.

In this episode Justin Edwards from Ocean Springs, Mississippi, tells his 20+ year story of addiction — starting with teenage drinking and weed, escalating through college cocaine and prescription opioids, shooting drugs, multiple treatment attempts, an overdose and ICU stay, and the devastating loss of his girlfriend to fentanyl. He candidly describes hitting rock bottom (including a terrifying moment on a bridge), repeated relapses, prison and drug court, and the turning point that led him back to treatment and faith.

Hosts and guest explore the practical and spiritual realities of recovery: the ritual of addiction, family intervention, the influence of environment and work, and the role of the Home of Grace. Justin shares how a renewed relationship with Jesus, humility, community, and obedience reshaped his life — offering real hope and clear takeaways for anyone struggling or supporting a loved one through addiction.

In this episode of Jesus Loves Addicts, father-daughter guests Randall and Lawren Cobb share a raw, hopeful conversation about addiction, family, and faith. Lawren recounts her six-year struggle with meth—starting with middle-school insecurities, progressing to self-harm and homelessness, and culminating in violent relationships—while Randall describes the pain and difficult boundaries of parenting a child in active addiction. They discuss signs parents can look for, the harm of secrecy, the value of tough love and boundaries, and the pivotal role of Christ-centered recovery programs like Wings of Life and Home of Grace.

Key topics include the influence of social media on self-image, how addiction can hide behind achievements, the importance of community and prayer, and how faith and honest conversations restore relationships. Guests reflect on relapse, treatment journeys, angelic interventions, and the ongoing process of rebuilding trust. Listeners will hear both practical guidance for families and a hopeful testimony of redemption: three years sober, restored relationships, and a new life working with animals and serving in recovery ministry.