E13- Michelle and MarshallE13- Michelle and Marshall
The Empty Chair
Michelle and Marshall share their transformative journeys from addiction to recovery, highlighting the power of resilience and support.
1:08:36•5 Mar 2021
Michelle and Marshall: Rising from the Shadows of Addiction
“The gifts of recovery are nowhere near like a head of acid, let me tell you: oh, my goodness, I've never had that one on. But yeah, you know, like recovery, you know, when I first got clean, had I known what it would have taken the rest of my life to do to get clean, I don't know if I would have stayed.”
What does it take to rise from the depths of addiction to a life of fulfillment? In this episode of 'The Empty Chair', Michelle and Marshall share their powerful stories of transformation. Michelle's journey began in utter despair—homeless, jobless, and estranged from her family. She lost her government job and even custody of her children due to her addiction. Living in a tent along the Merrimack River, she hit rock bottom before finding the strength to turn her life around.
Her recovery started on November 2, 2008, marking the beginning of a new chapter filled with hope and resilience. Today, she balances a fulfilling life with family, work, and sobriety she once thought impossible to achieve. Marshall’s story is equally compelling. Born in Beverly, Massachusetts, he started using and selling drugs at just 12 years old, which eventually led to a 12-and-a-half-year prison sentence. It was during his time behind bars that he found the resolve to change.
With the help of reading, education, and counseling, he committed to a life free from drugs and alcohol. Marshall even pursued a degree in psychology, driven by the desire to understand himself and help others. Both Michelle and Marshall emphasize the crucial role of family support and community in their recovery journeys. They speak candidly about the challenges of staying sober and the incredible rewards that come with it.
Their stories serve as a beacon of hope for anyone struggling with addiction, proving that recovery is possible with perseverance and support. If you're looking for inspiration or guidance on your own path to sobriety, this episode is a must-listen.

Do you want to link to this podcast?
Get the buttons here!
More From This Show
The latest episodes from the same podcast.
Related Episodes
Similar episodes from other shows in the catalogue.
