#106 – Jason Rudeen: The Way Out#106 – Jason Rudeen: The Way Out
Recovery Survey
Jason Rudeen shares his journey from heavy meth use, trauma and suicide attempts to long-term recovery, service, and co-hosting The Way Out Podcast. The conversation highlights how asking for help, working the steps and finding purpose in helping others can turn a “lost cause” mindset into real hope.
37:12•23 Mar 2022
From Meth Psychosis to Microphone: Jason Rudeen’s Road to Recovery
Episode Overview
- Asking for help at rock bottom can be the moment that breaks ego and opens the door to recovery.
- Working the steps with a sponsor can remove the obsession to use when consequences alone never did.
- Using a “buffet style” approach to recovery allows people to draw from many different pathways and resources.
- Service work, including sharing stories and podcasting, can provide purpose and help maintain long-term sobriety.
- There is far more help, support and genuine goodwill available than many people in active addiction realise.
“I really feel for people when they feel like there's no help for them. They're a lost cause. If I knew then what I know now, I would have slapped myself.”
What drives someone to seek a life without alcohol and drugs? Jason Rudeen shares his answer through a raw, unfiltered story that spans childhood trauma, heavy drug use, and a surprising second chance at life. A co-host of The Way Out Podcast and a person in long-term recovery, Jason talks about going from “buffet style” using to a “buffet style” recovery, pulling from multiple pathways to stay clean since July 2016.
He opens up about early abuse, growing up with an alcoholic parent, becoming a teenage dealer, and the deep shame of leaving his children – all of which fed years of self-destruction. The turning point is brutal and honest: a meth-fuelled psychosis, a failed suicide attempt, and the moment he finally picked up the phone to ask for help.
From there, Jason shares how sponsorship, working the steps, and support from people in AA and NA helped remove the obsession to use and even kept him out of prison. You’ll also hear how he stumbled into podcasting, first as a terrified guest who “told every gritty thing”, then as a co-host who still doesn’t quite see himself as an expert.
He and host Brett Morris talk about that “natural high” of recovery conversations, why being real matters more than looking good, and how doing service through podcasting has become a core part of staying sober. This episode is aimed at anyone who thinks they’re a lost cause, or who feels unworthy of sharing their story. Jason keeps it simple: there’s hope, there are countless resources, and there are people who genuinely want to see you win.
Maybe the next brave step is just talking to someone about what you’re going through.
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