Homeless in a Salt Lake City Winter … Then the Cartels Showed Up

Send us Fan Mail Episode 45: Jason Coombs on That Sober Guy Podcast with Shane Ramer A wide-ranging conversation on recovery, faith, fatherhood, identity, and the daily work of staying sober. In this episode, you’ll hear: How a legitimate injury and pain pills turned into a life-consuming spiral The collapse of an OxyContin supply chain and why heroin surged next What it’s like to survive homelessness in a brutal winter The moment a text from Jason’s mom disrupted a suicidal night “The gift of volition” and why lasting change has to become personal A simple reflection practice that builds momentum instead of shame The difference between the “smaller story” and the “larger story” A faith-rooted decision framework: study it out, choose, then take it to God Warrior Heart Retreat and the three pillars that wake a man’s heart up again How Jason now supports families who feel exhausted, scared, and alone Timestamps [01:00] Crossover episode intro: That Sober Guy Podcast with Shane Ramer [01:43] Year-end reflection: journaling victories and lessons [08:11] Emotionally shut down, risk-taking, anxiety/ADHD self-medicating [12:05] The OxyContin ring and the spiral that followed [16:06] Homelessness, felony charges, surviving winter on the streets [17:21] Court-mandated treatment, five rehabs, psychosis before sobriety [23:07] The text from Mom that interrupted a suicidal moment [24:26] “Volition”: why internal motivation outlasts external pressure [26:13] From selling hot dogs to a calling to help families [30:26] Stepping out of the smaller story into the larger story [36:10] 12 Steps as a pathway to conscious contact and guidance [40:37] Decision-making: study it out, choose, take it to God [44:32] Warrior Heart pillars: battle, adventure, beauty [52:14] Retreat impact: stripping the crust, restoring identity [56:50] Resources for families: book, podcast, free tools Quotes worth revisiting “External pressure can work for a season. Internal motivation is what lasts.” “You don’t just get out of the hole. You get outfitted to climb.” “A plan beats panic. Support beats isolation.” Resources mentioned Brick House Recovery: https://www.brickhouserecovery.com/ Unhooked (book): https://a.co/d/0dqd21uT Warrior Heart Retreat: https://awarriorheart.com/ That Sober Guy Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/that-sober-guy-podcast/id887845353 For families who feel stuck If you love someone who’s struggling, you’re not powerless and you’re not the cause. You may not be able to control their choices, but you can change how you show up, create healthier conditions, and get support for your own nervous system, boundaries, and peace. Gentle note This episode includes discussion of addiction, homelessness, and suicidal moments. If you or someone you love is in immediate danger, call local emergency services right now. In the U.S., you can also dial or text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. If this episode helped, please follow, rate, and leave a review. It helps more people find hope and practical tools Support the show Join Jason Coombs LIVE each week for tips and tricks and LIVE Q&A’s. Go to https://www.liveunhooked.com/l