Get a Grip Podcast

In this powerful episode of Get A Grip Podcast, convicted felon-turned-host, Louis Essig sits down with Judge Sheryl Munson of the Franklin County Common Pleas Court in Columbus, Ohio, for a candid conversation about the human side of the justice system. Judge Munson opens up about the traumatic events of her childhood and how they shaped her perspective on law, justice, and empathy towards others. As the only former public defender now serving as a judge in the Franklin County Common Pleas Court, Judge Munson shares her unique journey from defending clients to deciding their fates in the courtroom. She also dives into the work she’s doing with the RISE Court (Reaching Individual Success Everyday), which she created. RISE Court is a Mental Health Specialty Docket Court designed to help individuals struggling with mental illness and addiction. Throughout the conversation, Judge Munson discusses the emotional weight of sending someone to prison and the complex realities of justice. This eye-opening discussion explores the intersections of trauma, empathy, mental health, and the criminal justice system, offering a deeper understanding of the human side of justice. Don’t miss this inspiring and thought-provoking conversation with one of the most compassionate and forward-thinking judges in Ohio. 🔔 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more powerful stories on addiction, recovery, and resilience. Get a Grip Podcast Social Media: Find our TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeart Radio links and more below on our Link Tree below! Get A Grip Social Media Links: https://linktr.ee/officialgetagrippodcast

In this unfiltered episode of Get A Grip Podcast, co-host Louis Essig sits down with Aaron Garnes to reveal his shocking and inspiring story of addiction, loss, and redemption. Growing up in a good neighborhood with endless opportunities, Louis never imagined his life would spiral into homelessness and heroin addiction. But the path he took led him to some of the darkest moments imaginable. Louis shares jaw-dropping stories about his fractured relationship with his mother, who was also an addict. From the chilling moment he shot his mother up for the first time, to being asked by police to wear a wire against her, Louis reflects on the complicated and painful bond they shared. After her tragic overdose, Louis was forced to navigate a world full of judgment and doubt, fighting to reclaim his life. In a powerful full-circle moment, Louis talks about how he went from being an inmate at a correctional facility to working as a correctional officer at the same institution years later. This transformation highlights his determination to rise above his past and prove everyone wrong. This raw and emotional episode dives deep into themes of addiction, family struggles, and the resilience it takes to rebuild a life from rock bottom. Whether you’ve been impacted by addiction or want to hear a story of incredible perseverance, this conversation will leave you speechless. 🔔 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more powerful stories on addiction, recovery, and resilience. Get a Grip Podcast Social Media: Find our TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeart Radio links and more below on our Link Tree below! Get A Grip Social Media Links: https://linktr.ee/officialgetagrippodcast Louis Essig's Personal TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@louis_grip Louis Essig's Personal Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/louisessig

In this episode Louis and Aaron sit down with Joe Seifert. Joe battled addiction to prescription painkillers early in his life, which led him into a downward spiral of criminal activity and ultimately landed him in prison. His story takes a darker turn inside the walls of the penitentiary, where he found himself caught in a dangerous game of manipulation and deceit. While incarcerated, he wasn't just fighting the demons of addiction; he was also involved in running a sophisticated drug ring within the prison system. Using his cunning and charisma, he managed to manipulate a female guard into helping him smuggle in and distribute drugs, exploiting the vulnerability of those around him to further his own agenda. His ability to navigate this treacherous world of crime inside the prison walls made him a key player in the illicit operation. But even amidst the chaos and corruption, something inside him began to shift. Through self-reflection and a deep desire to change, he started to break free from the grip of addiction and the criminal lifestyle that had defined his existence. Today, he stands sober, free, and empowered, with a new sense of purpose and happiness. This is a story of redemption, resilience, and the unyielding power of transformation. Watch as he opens up about the darkness of his past, the lessons learned from his time in prison, and how he found the strength to rebuild his life and embrace a future filled with hope. If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, this story is a reminder that recovery is always possible. Get a Grip Podcast Social Media: Find our TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeart Radio links and more below on our Link Tree below! https://linktr.ee/officialgetagrippodcast

In this powerful and inspiring episode Louis sits down with his co-host, Aaron Garnes who opens up about his incredible journey of overcoming addiction, incarceration, and homelessness. Raised by a father who struggled with addiction and was frequently in and out of prison, Aaron grew up in a turbulent environment that set the stage for his own battles. Struggling with heroin addiction, Aaron's life spiraled out of control, leading him to break into a firehouse—a crime that ultimately resulted in a prison sentence. After serving time, Aaron's life didn't improve right away. He found himself homeless, with nowhere to turn, and resorted to flying a sign in an effort to survive. But everything changed one day when a woman saw him on the streets and offered him a place to live. That simple act of kindness became the turning point in Aaron’s life. Over time, with support and a new sense of purpose, Aaron got sober, married the woman who had helped him, and began to rebuild his life. Today, Aaron is clean, sober, and living a full life with his family. He now co-hosts Get a Grip Podcast, sharing his story of transformation, redemption, and hope. In this episode, Aaron reflects on the struggles he faced, the lessons he learned, and how love and second chances can truly change the course of a life. Tune in to hear his remarkable story of resilience, and discover how it’s possible to rise above even the darkest of circumstances. Get a Grip Podcast Social Media: Find our TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, Spotify, iHeart Radio links and more below on our Link Tree below! https://linktr.ee/officialgetagrippodcast