From PARK AVENUE to PARK BENCH | How PRIVATE JETS & Working with LEGENDARY ROCKSTARS DERAILED
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Show Notes
In this episode of Crosstalk Podcasts, Johnny Podell shares his harrowing journey through addiction, including his chaotic rise in the music industry, his darkest days battling heroin addiction, and the powerful spiritual awakening that brought him to recovery. Listeners will gain insight into the toll addiction can take and the incredible transformation that can occur with the right support.
Growing Up | Finding Love in Chaos
Johnny grew up in a small New York apartment with his loving parents and siblings. His father was the epitome of stability—predictable, hard-working, and loving—but Johnny always felt different. Despite the love in his household, he didn’t want to be “square” like his dad. He craved excitement and freedom. His mother’s obsession with friendships gave him his social confidence, but the ordinary life he saw around him left him yearning for something more. As a child, he admired the rock stars and dreamt of a life that was unpredictable, exciting, and full of adventure.
First Encounter with Addiction | The Gateway to Chaos
In his early twenties, Johnny found himself immersed in the music industry, working with big-name artists and living a fast-paced life. It was during this time that he encountered cocaine for the first time. Johnny wasn’t a fan of weed, which made him paranoid, but cocaine—cocaine made him feel like Superman. It wasn’t long before it became a part of his daily routine. Little by little, the drug crept into his life, fueling his work and his chaotic lifestyle. He was riding high, but the seeds of addiction were already taking root.
Active Addiction | The Spiral into Darkness
Johnny’s addiction escalated quickly. He was living a life most could only dream of—rubbing shoulders with rock stars, living in luxury, and calling the shots in the music industry. But behind the glamorous facade, Johnny was spiraling out of control. His use of cocaine and heroin became constant, taking over his life. He couldn’t even make it home without stopping to use. His relationships, his career, and his health all started to crumble as he became a prisoner to his addiction. “I just wanted the heroin to slow me down,” Johnny recalled, as the drugs took over every aspect of his life.
Hitting Bottom | The Night Everything Changed
One fateful night, Johnny found himself at rock bottom, literally being dragged out of his car by police in Englewood, New Jersey. His once-glamorous life had disintegrated into a series of car chases, handcuffs, and desperate attempts to hide his addiction from those he loved. As he lay on the ground, being kicked in the ribs, Johnny wasn’t thinking about his addiction or the consequences. He was consumed by the thought, “What am I going to tell Monica?”—his wife, who had stood by him through it all. That moment marked the beginning of the end for Johnny’s life of addiction. He knew he couldn’t hide anymore.
Getting Help & Recovery | Rebuilding from the Ashes
After multiple failed attempts at rehab, Johnny finally sought help that stuck in 2012. His children, who had been his lifeline, gave him the courage to get clean once and for all. He entered rehab broken but willing. As he worked through the program, Johnny had a spiritual awakening—a moment that changed his life forever. “I felt like I had been touched by God,” he said, recalling the transformative experience that shifted his perspective and gave him a newfound sense of purpose. The drugs were gone, and in their place was a deep desire to live authentically and help others find recovery.
Life Today | Living in the Light
Today, Johnny is a completely transformed man. He’s not just clean from substances; he’s alive in a way he never thought possible. His life is dedicated to spiritual growth, his family, and sharing his story of redemption with the world. He’s now a loving husband, a father to two young children, and an advocate for those struggling with addiction. Johnny’s life is a testament to the power of recovery and the joy that comes from living in the light. “I’ve been touched by grace,” he says, “and I want others to know that no matter how dark it gets, there’s always hope.”
FAQs
What is the hardest part of recovery? – Facing the emotional pain that substances used to numb.
Can you recover from addiction without rehab? – Yes, but structured rehab can provide tools and support for long-term recovery.
How do you help a loved one with addiction? – Encourage them to seek professional help and offer non-judgmental support.
Is relapse a part of recovery? – It can be, but it’s important to view it as a learning opportunity, not failure.
How does addiction affect relationships? – Addiction strains relationships, but recovery can heal and restore them.
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