💥Ep67- Steve Adami: From Prison to Leading SF’s Recovery Programs

10/17/24 • 39 min

Description:

In this inspiring episode of The Begin Again Podcast , host Gary Menkes sits down with Steve Adami, executive director of The Way Out Recovery initiative with the Salvation Army in San Francisco. Steve opens up about his powerful journey from addiction, crime, and repeated jail time to becoming a leader in recovery and rehabilitation programs. After spending over two decades in and out of prison, Steve experienced a life-changing transformation during his last sentence in 2010. Through faith, twelve-step programs, and sheer determination, he turned his life around, earning a master’s degree and dedicating himself to helping others.

Steve shares how his work at The Way Out focuses on addressing the homelessness and addiction crisis in San Francisco. His programs provide real-time access to recovery services, residential treatment, and long-term housing for those who need it most. Steve also discusses the challenges of balancing government and donor funding while maintaining the values of a faith-based organization.

Tune in to hear Steve’s heartfelt story of resilience, faith, and transformation as he sheds light on the importance of recovery programs in San Francisco and beyond.

About Steve Adami:

Steve Adami is the executive director of The Way Out Recovery initiative at the Salvation Army in San Francisco. After spending years in and out of jail due to addiction and crime, Steve transformed his life through faith and recovery. He now leads comprehensive recovery programs that focus on rehabilitation, reentry services, and homelessness solutions. His work has made a significant impact in San Francisco, where he advocates for effective alternatives to the city's housing-first model.

Follow Steve’s journey and initiatives on his website: https://www.steveadami.com/
Explore The Way Out: https://westernusa.salvationarmy.org/san_francisco/the-way-out/
Connect on Twitter: @TheWayOutSF, @salvationarmysf, @SteveAdami

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Description:

Tune in to hear Steve’s heartfelt story of resilience, faith, and transformation as he sheds light on the importance of recovery programs in San Francisco and beyond.

About Steve Adami:

Previous Episode

✨EP66- Suki Jones: Overcoming Trauma, Addiction, & Finding Strength

Description:

In this powerful episode of The Begin Again Podcast , host Gary Menkes talks with Suki Jones, author of Sea, Swallow Me , about her intense journey through addiction, trauma, and recovery. Suki opens up about her early experiences with substance abuse, including her struggles with alcohol, prescription drug addiction, and eating disorders. She recounts the emotional toll of growing up with an alcoholic father and codependent mother, and how these experiences led her down a path of self-destruction.

Suki candidly shares her battle with prescription medications like codeine and Fioricet, doctor shopping, and the fear of leaving her children motherless. Through her recovery, she found strength in twelve-step programs and a supportive community, which helped her regain control of her life. Now sober, Suki is working on her second book and continues to inspire others with her story of resilience.

Gary and Suki discuss the importance of trust, accountability, and the transformative power of sobriety. This episode offers hope and encouragement to anyone struggling with addiction, showing that recovery is possible with the right support.

About Suki Jones:

Suki Jones is an author, advocate, and recovery warrior who has overcome addiction and trauma to build a life of resilience and healing. Through her personal experiences with alcohol, prescription drugs, and eating disorders, Suki shares her story to inspire others on their path to sobriety. Her journey emphasizes the power of community, twelve-step programs, and personal growth. Suki is also working on her second book while continuing to speak about her recovery and the strength it has brought her.

Follow Suki on Instagram for updates: https://www.instagram.com/suki_jones/
Check out her book Sea, Swallow Me on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Sea-Swallow-Me-Suki-Jones-ebook/dp/B0BWQZRRFV

Next Episode

🌟EP68- Jo Weatherford: Sobriety, Self-Love, and Trauma Recovery

Description:

In this powerful episode of The Begin Again Podcast , host Gary Menkes speaks with Jo Weatherford, a former Playboy model turned professor, TEDx speaker, and addiction expert. Jo shares her personal journey from Hollywood’s party scene to rock bottom, struggling with drug and alcohol addiction. After a life-altering arrest and failed suicide attempt, she made the courageous decision to turn her life around.

Jo discusses how she embraced recovery through non-traditional approaches, including inner child work, therapy, and aversion therapy, leading to 12 years of sobriety. She earned a master’s degree in Human Development and spent over a decade teaching addiction courses at the University of Nevada, guiding others toward healing. Now, as a mindset coach, she helps high performers tackle addiction, intimacy, and personal growth.

Throughout this conversation, Jo and Gary explore the importance of self-love, resilience, and overcoming shame and guilt. Jo shares her insights on trauma recovery, the challenges of working in the recovery field, and her passion for helping others reclaim their lives.

About Jo Weatherford:

Jo Weatherford is a living example of joy in recovery. In her 20s, Jo was a drug- and alcohol-addicted model, partying with Hollywood celebrities. After an arrest and a failed suicide attempt, she realized it was time to change. Determined to rebuild her life, Jo earned a master’s degree in Human Development and spent 12 years teaching addiction courses at the University of Nevada, while also leading prevention and intervention efforts for the Office of Student Conduct.

Today, Jo is a TEDx speaker, mindset coach, and addiction expert, focusing on non-traditional approaches to recovery. With 12 years of sobriety, Jo continues to inspire others, showing that radical transformation is possible through self-love, resilience, and connection.

Follow Jo on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jo.weatherford/
Explore her work: https://recoveryremix.com/
Watch her TEDx talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OJY4GkpRc7U