Listen To The Heartbeat

Aaron's Transformational Journey

In this deeply personal and engaging episode, Aaron, a member of Cocaine Anonymous, shares the struggles, triumphs, and revelatory moments of his journey towards sobriety. Through humorous anecdotes and tales of profound self-discovery, he demystifies the complex world of addiction recovery. Aaron's narrative elegantly traces his path through the twelve steps of recovery, showing the potent transformative power of honesty, acceptance, faith, and love in overcoming addiction. The episode also delves into the often-overlooked intersection of addiction and mental health, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging and addressing interrelated mental conditions as part of the recovery.Reflecting upon the hard yet rewarding recovery path, Aaron underscores the power of love, support, and understanding. Unwrapped in raw emotion, his story resonates with anyone battling addiction, assuring them they are not alone in their fight. With an emphasis on self-forgiveness and acceptance, Aaron's journey serves as a beacon of hope for those looking to reclaim their life from the addiction's grip.This heart-wrenching and victorious tale is both a testament to Aaron's resilience and an insightful discursion into the supportive world of Cocaine Anonymous, providing invaluable lessons for those walking a similar path or seeking to understand the challenges of overcoming substance abuse.

A Journey of a Young Black Man

In this insightful episode of 'Listen to the Heartbeat with Aaron G.' we engage in an intimate conversation with a determined young black man navigating the profound challenges of life. Despite grueling circumstances, he bravely shares his inspirational journey of resilience, shattering societal expectations and developing financial wisdom amidst a society that frequently fails to teach significant life skills.We delve into the intense impact of generational trauma and the constant struggle against societal imbalances. We confront biases, tackle the shell of victim mentality, and discuss the necessity of reclaiming power and providing direction for life. Offering a fresh perspective, the conversation dispels stereotypes and paints an empowering image of the black community's potential and the legacy they can build.Highlighting desire for love and unity, our guests bear testimony to their aspirations for familial stability and hope for a secure future. They express their resolve to break the generational cycle of challenges and the rewarding commitment towards unity and collaboration. We discuss the often-felt family conflicts and their endeavors towards starting careers in Network Administration Security Management and Television Production.Listeners will find immense inspiration from their accounts of confrontations with law enforcement, embodying resilience while asserting their rights. Concluding on a hopeful note, the episode encapsulates the earnest call for forgiveness, unity, and collaboration. This conversation not only underscores their resilience and resolve but also underscores the urgency of continuous progress and legacy-building.

A Former Marine's Inspiring Journey

In this engaging episode of Listen to the Heartbeat with Aaron G., Aaron welcomes Angel V., a former U.S. Marine and a social work undergraduate at Cal State L.A. From his decision to enter the social work field, drawn from the struggles of his fellow Marines, to his process of transitioning into civilian life, this conversation provides an intimate look into Angel's life journey.Angel highlights the trials veterans face after their service, bringing light to experiences often misunderstood by civilians. His touching recount of the loss of comradeship after leaving the Marines, the role of his support network, and how he navigated his transitional period, are all reminders of the resilience of our ex-military personnel.Explaining his crucial role as a radio technician in the Marine Corps, Angel sheds light on how his responsibility towards maintaining communication lines potentially saved lives during field operations. The episode deeply resonates with the significance of each service member's role, regardless of their job title.Engage in this inspiring conversation that bridges the gap between military service and post-service life, highlighting the importance of community support and perseverance in face of adversity. Tune in and explore the world of these brave individuals through their experiences in this exceptional episode of Listen to the Heartbeat.

Real Talk - Inspiring Journeys of Resilience and Transformation

Welcome to the first episode of Real Talk. In this thought-provoking conversation, we highlight the moving stories of five fearless individuals. Each shares their own inspiring journey of transformation and resilience. Brought to you as a remarkable closing event for Second Chance Month, we aim to empower, inspire, and highlight the profound impact education can have in personal growth and reconciliation. Janice Charles, the 2024 Inspiring Woman of Mt. SAC, takes the floor as our first speaker. She shares the transformative story of her journey from a 25 year sentence to obtaining a degree in drug and alcohol counselling. Following Janice, hear the riveting tale of Eric Guevara-Rivas, who rebuilt his life and embarked on an educational journey after parole. In this stirring episode, we also introduce you to Anthony Orenas and Timeoteo Benitez, both part of the Rising Scholars community. Hear their incredible stories of how they used their past struggles as a force to uplift their own lives and those of others. We then delve into the stories of individuals indirectly impacted by the justice system. The narrative also sheds light on the power of education and community to transform lives, featuring the inspiring journey of Victor Sierra, a proud military veteran who found hope and purpose through education. Join us in this inspiring episode of Real Talk as we learn about these extraordinary journeys of resilience and the life-changing power of education. Each narrative sends a powerful message of hope that it's never too late for personal growth and transformation.

Shirley Torres Chief Program Officer for Homeboy Industries

Shirley Torres is the Chief Program Officer for Homeboy Industries, the largest gang intervention program and therapeutic community in the United States. Shirley was raised in South Los Angeles, a neighborhood populated by violence, drugs and gangs. She knows first-hand the structural barriers and challenges facing urban youth and their future.

Janice's Journey to Recovery

In this episode, we hear the heartrending life story of Janice, a 64-year-old woman who has experienced a challenging journey but emerged victorious because of her faith and resilience. She shares her life tale, where she started in a dysfunctional family, experienced abuse, early exposure to crime, drug addiction and multiple encounters with the justice system, today, she stands as a proud and grateful recovering addict, thanking God for every step of her recovery.
She describes her early life marked by violence, neglect, and abuse. She details experiences of sexual exploitation and navigating survival on the streets at an alarmingly young age. With striking honesty, she discloses her initiation into selling drugs and a life of crime, her numerous stints in prison, and her battle with substance abuse.
Janice openly shares her struggles with seeking love and affirmation in the wrong places, her battles with drugs, and the desperation she felt in her darkest days. Her raw recounting of her life underscores the unmanageability and powerlessness that drugs had over her life.
Enlightening moments arrived when she was introduced to recovery programs. Here, she outlines her transformation through her realization of the damages of self-centeredness and the power of her spiritual connection. Janice candidly explains her entry into a treatment center was a turning point, where mentors and healers encouraged her to learn from her mistakes, guided her, and planted seeds of recovery.
She emphasizes the crucial role of formal recovery steps, finding a sponsor, and tapping into a higher power in her journey to recovery and renewal. As she started to realize her self-destructive behaviors, she came to understand the deep-seated issues feeding her addiction and found a way to address them.
Janice's incredible story is a testament to her resilience and the transformative power of recovery. Her story is an inspiring message of hope for fellow addicts still trapped in the painful cycle of addiction, offering them practical advice. Thanks to faith, determination, and recovery, Janice now lives a life that goes beyond her wildest imagination.

Unravelling Paul Scott's Redemption Journey Inside Penitentiary

In this captivating episode of Listen to the Heartbeat with Aaron G, we welcome author Paul Scott. Not just another author, Scott's spellbinding tale traverses from his disturbing past to an inspiring and transformative future, all brewing within the cold walls of prison. The author of "Abandoned Before Birth, United in Prison," Scott sheds light on his path to self-awareness, symbolizing an emblem of hope in one of the darkest corners of human society.This episode offers a remarkable journey from the mean streets to correction facilities and on to rising above adversity, not only for Scott himself but also for his son. With their fate entwined, their journey proves that transformation and redemption are attainable, even in the bleakest circumstances. The narrative strikes with such emotional intensity that it might seem like a story straight out of a film. Yet, this is the life Paul Scott lived, sharing his story through an unwavering voice.Immerse in Paul Scott's journey characterized by trials and tribulations. Explore the rollercoaster of emotions as we shed light on his early life, the consequences of his choices, and his profound transformation during incarceration. Learn how he metamorphosed from a convict into a pillar of support for his son, and would eventually lead the way in empowering numerous lives impacted by the justice system through the 'Rising Scholars' program.Listen as Scott passionately explicates the stirring creation of their co-authored book and relays his relentless quest towards redemption. This inspiring episode is a testament of Scott’s indomitable spirit. His story is steeped in despair, yet culminates in a story of victory over life's seemingly insurmountable challenges.This edition of 'Listen to the Heartbeat with Aaron G' is much more than an interview. It is a shared human experience, a depiction of a journey that began in abandonment but culminated in the healing power of forgiveness. It reminds us all: no matter how lost one may seem, there is always a road to reconciliation and redemption.

Inspiring Change and Empowerment through Higher Education

In this compelling episode, we discuss the transformative power of higher education. Our guest, Jason Chico, shares his personal journey of redefining the narratives of 'Real G's' and emphasizing the importance of education. Our discussion reflects upon the need for positive role models, especially for those who may not have had them growing up, highlighting the importance of taking care of family and prioritizing education.We further discuss the conception and impact of ‘We Rise’, a Safe Project that aims to dispel the stigma of addiction at universities and colleges. This initiative provides a reassuring message of acceptance and support for students suffering from addiction, assuring them that they have a place to share their story without judgment.Taking a moment to reflect upon the importance of acknowledging personal struggles and the necessity of taking responsibility in a journey towards change, we delve into the transformative power of acceptance. This episode serves as both an inspiration and a wake-up call, imploring listeners to step beyond their comfort zones, seek help when needed, and embrace the chance for change.Join us as we delve into these powerful narratives of transformation, resilience, and empowerment. Our call to action echoes Jason’s repeated invocation: "Come on, somebody." A reminder that change is attainable, no matter your circumstances.This podcast was recorded at Mount San Antonio Community College, where we had the pleasure of participating in the Join the Club event. This episode serves as a testament to the power of community and the importance of finding and utilizing the resources available to you. As always, remember the value of admitting to your struggles and taking the necessary steps to change. Real G's get degrees. Come on, somebody.