In this episode of the Addiction Recovery Podcast, hosts Ronnie LeDuff and Michael Oakley welcome Ryan Felder, the Administrator of Rayville Recovery in Rayville, Louisiana.

Ryan brings years of experience in the substance abuse field and holds multiple credentials including RAC, ICADC, CCGC, CCS, and SAP, making him a respected leader in addiction treatment and recovery services. His work at Rayville Recovery focuses on helping individuals access affordable dual-diagnosis residential treatment, detox services, and long-term recovery support.

In this conversation, Ryan shares what it takes to lead a treatment center that serves people during some of the hardest moments of their lives. He talks about the importance of structure, accountability, and creating an environment where people can truly begin healing—not just physically, but mentally and emotionally as well.

Ronnie, Michael, and Ryan also dive into the challenges families face when seeking treatment, how discharge planning and aftercare impact long-term success, and why recovery must be built on more than just detox—it requires connection, support, and purpose. Rayville Recovery emphasizes medically monitored detox, inpatient rehabilitation, and strong discharge planning to help clients move into sober living and continued care.

HUGE thank you to Rayville Recovery for Sponsoring the Episode!
If you or someone you know needs help give them a call or visit them at
307 Hayes St, Rayville, LA 71269
(318) 728-5488
https://www.rayvillerecovery.com/

🎧 Tune in to Episode 94 to hear Ryan Felder’s perspective on leadership, recovery, and how real transformation happens when people are given the right chance.

Support the show

https://linktr.ee/builtbytheredstick

In this episode of the Addiction Recovery Podcast, hosts Ronnie LeDuff and Michael Oakley sit down with Marc Crawford, the Administrator at Regions Behavioral Health in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

Marc plays a key leadership role in one of the area’s leading behavioral health facilities, helping oversee programs that provide inpatient and outpatient treatment for mental health and addiction, including dual-diagnosis care for individuals facing both substance use and underlying mental health challenges.

In this conversation, Marc shares insight into what it really takes to run a behavioral health facility—from crisis stabilization to long-term recovery planning. He talks about the importance of treating the whole person, not just the addiction, and how structured programs, therapy, and medical support work together to help individuals rebuild their lives.

Ronnie, Michael, and Marc also dive into the growing need for accessible mental health care, the realities families face when seeking help, and why compassion and consistency are at the core of effective treatment.

This episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at behavioral health care in Baton Rouge and highlights the people working every day to help others reset, restore, and recover.

HUGE thank you to Rayville Recovery for Sponsoring the Episode!
If you or someone you know needs help give them a call or visit them at
307 Hayes St, Rayville, LA 71269
(318) 728-5488
https://www.rayvillerecovery.com/

🎧 Tune in to Episode 93 to hear Marc Crawford’s perspective on leadership, mental health, and building systems that truly support recovery.

Support the show

https://linktr.ee/builtbytheredstick

In this episode of the Addiction Recovery Podcast, hosts Ronnie LeDuff and Michael Oakley sit down with Dr. Ethan Byrne for a powerful conversation about transformation, resilience, and what it truly means to rebuild a life in recovery.

Dr. Byrne’s story is one of real change—from the depths of addiction to a life built on purpose, discipline, and service. After choosing recovery in 2012, he went on to become a biomedical engineer, husband, father, and leader in the recovery community, using his journey to inspire others who feel stuck or without hope.

In this episode, Dr. Byrne shares how hitting rock bottom became the turning point that led him to something greater. He talks about the mindset shift required to move forward, the importance of helping others as part of your own healing, and how recovery can open doors you never thought possible.

This conversation is honest, encouraging, and a reminder that no matter how far gone things may feel, breakthrough is always within reach.

HUGE thank you to Rayville Recovery for Sponsoring the Episode!
If you or someone you know needs help give them a call or visit them at
307 Hayes St, Rayville, LA 71269
(318) 728-5488
https://www.rayvillerecovery.com/

🎧 Tune in to Episode 92 to hear Dr. Ethan Byrne’s story of redemption, growth, and the power of recovery done right.

#builtbytheredstick #podcast #addictionrecovery #recoverychallenge

Support the show

https://linktr.ee/builtbytheredstick

In this episode of the Addiction Recovery Podcast, hosts Ronnie LeDuff and Michael Oakley sit down with Louisiana legend and former NFL running back Kevin Faulk for a powerful conversation about life, challenges, and perseverance.

Known for his standout career at LSU and his success in the NFL, Kevin opens up about the pressures of performance, life after football, and the personal growth that comes from facing adversity head-on. This conversation goes beyond sports—it’s about identity, resilience, and what it takes to rebuild and stay grounded no matter where life takes you.

Kevin shares insight into how discipline, support systems, and mindset play a role not just on the field, but in everyday life—especially when navigating difficult seasons. His perspective brings a unique voice to the recovery space, showing how principles like accountability, structure, and humility apply across every walk of life.

Whether you’re in recovery, chasing purpose, or just looking for real conversation from someone who’s been through the highs and lows, this episode delivers.

HUGE thank you to Rayville Recovery for Sponsoring the Episode!
If you or someone you know needs help give them a call or visit them at
307 Hayes St, Rayville, LA 71269
(318) 728-5488
https://www.rayvillerecovery.com/

🎧 Tune in to Episode 91 to hear Kevin Faulk’s story, his lessons, and what it really means to keep showing up.

Support the show

https://linktr.ee/builtbytheredstick

In this episode of the Addiction Recovery Podcast, hosts Ronnie LeDuff and Michael Oakley welcome Whitney Prejean, a Residential Counselor at Serenity Treatment Center in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

Whitney works on the front lines of addiction recovery, walking alongside individuals during some of the most challenging moments of their lives. In this conversation, she shares what it’s like to support clients in a residential setting—where healing begins with structure, honesty, and consistent care.

She opens up about the importance of building trust, creating a safe environment, and helping people rediscover their worth after addiction. Whitney also talks about how recovery is more than just getting sober—it’s about learning how to live again, rebuild relationships, and find purpose beyond the pain.

Ronnie and Michael dive into the realities of early recovery, the role of counselors in guiding that process, and why compassion and accountability go hand in hand when it comes to lasting change.

HUGE Thank you to Serenity Treatment Center of Louisiana
If you or someone you know needs help you can find them here!
https://theserenitycenterla.com/

The Serenity Treatment Center
2325 Weymouth Drive, Baton Rouge, LA 70809

Serenity Treatment Mid City Center
216 South Foster Drive, Mid-City Baton Rouge, LA 70806

Tel: (225) 320-5643

🎧 Tune in to Episode 90 to hear Whitney’s perspective on recovery, growth, and the impact of showing up for others every single day.

Thank you for the support! Click the link to watch the full episode and leave us a comment!

Support the show

https://linktr.ee/builtbytheredstick

In this episode of the Addiction Recovery Podcast, hosts Ronnie LeDuff and Michael Oakley sit down with Jarrod Seguin, a counselor at Serenity Treatment Center in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

Jarrod brings both passion and purpose to his work in addiction recovery. Known for his compassion and dedication, he has been recognized for the impact he makes in clients’ lives—helping guide them toward positive change and encouraging them to become the best version of themselves.

In this conversation, Jarrod opens up about what it means to answer a calling in recovery work, how faith and purpose can shape a person’s path, and the importance of meeting people where they are during their most difficult moments. His perspective highlights the power of patience, encouragement, and genuine care in helping individuals break free from addiction and rebuild their lives.

Whether you’re in recovery, supporting someone who is, or simply looking for real insight into what happens inside a treatment center, this episode delivers honesty, hope, and a reminder that change is always possible.

HUGE Thank you to Serenity Treatment Center of Louisiana
If you or someone you know needs help you can find them here!
https://theserenitycenterla.com/

The Serenity Treatment Center
2325 Weymouth Drive, Baton Rouge, LA 70809

Serenity Treatment Mid City Center
216 South Foster Drive, Mid-City Baton Rouge, LA 70806

Tel: (225) 320-5643

🎧 Tune in to Episode 89 to hear Jarrod’s story, his heart for helping others, and the impact one person can make in the recovery journey.

Thank you for the support! Click the link to watch the full episode and leave us a comment!

Support the show

https://linktr.ee/builtbytheredstick

In this episode of the Addiction Recovery Podcast, hosts Ronnie LeDuff and Michael Oakley welcome Cherie Guidry, the Clinical Director at Serenity Treatment Center of Louisiana in Baton Rouge.

Cherie has been part of the Serenity team since it opened in 2014 and has worked in the addiction field since 2012, growing through several roles including mental health technician, admissions, inpatient counselor, intensive outpatient counselor, assistant clinical director, and now Clinical Director.

She holds dual licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and Licensed Addiction Counselor (LAC), and earned her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Southeastern Louisiana University followed by a Master’s in Professional Counseling from Liberty University.

In this conversation, Cherie shares what it looks like to lead a treatment team helping individuals rebuild their lives after addiction. She talks about the importance of compassionate care, individualized treatment, and creating a supportive environment where people feel safe enough to begin healing. At Serenity Treatment Center, the approach focuses on treating the whole person through therapy, recovery support, and structured programs designed to break the cycle of addiction.

Ronnie, Michael, and Cherie dive into the realities of addiction treatment, the work that happens behind the scenes in recovery programs, and why long-term healing is possible when people are given the right tools and support.

HUGE Thank you to Serenity Treatment Center of Louisiana
If you or someone you know needs help you can find them here!
https://theserenitycenterla.com/

The Serenity Treatment Center
2325 Weymouth Drive, Baton Rouge, LA 70809

Serenity Treatment Mid City Center
216 South Foster Drive, Mid-City Baton Rouge, LA 70806

Tel: (225) 320-5643

🎧 Tune in to Episode 88 to hear Cherie’s insight into clinical leadership, recovery care, and how dedicated professionals help people take their first steps toward a new life.

Support the show

https://linktr.ee/builtbytheredstick

In this episode of the Addiction Recovery Podcast, hosts Ronnie LeDuff and Michael Oakley welcome Mario Mendizabal from Serenity Treatment Center in Baton Rouge, Louisiana for a powerful conversation about recovery, outreach, and turning personal transformation into service for others.

Mario’s journey into recovery is deeply personal. After finding freedom from addiction himself, he now dedicates his time to helping others find hope and healing through his work with Serenity Treatment Center. Mario often shares his story publicly to encourage people struggling with addiction and to show that recovery is truly possible.

Through his outreach efforts, Mario has spoken at community events and even participated in programs with the Louisiana Department of Corrections during Recovery Month, using his story to inspire individuals who may feel like they have no way out.

In this episode, Mario talks with Ronnie and Michael about what it takes to rebuild your life after addiction, the importance of community support, and why sharing our stories can literally save lives. His story is a reminder that recovery doesn’t just change one life—it creates a ripple effect of hope for others.

HUGE Thank you to Serenity Treatment Center of Louisiana
If you or someone you know needs help you can find them here!
https://theserenitycenterla.com/

The Serenity Treatment Center
2325 Weymouth Drive, Baton Rouge, LA 70809

Serenity Treatment Mid City Center
216 South Foster Drive, Mid-City Baton Rouge, LA 70806

Tel: (225) 320-5643

🎧 Tune in to hear Mario’s journey, his mission with Serenity Treatment Center, and why he believes every person deserves a second chance at life.

Thank you for the support! Click the link to watch the full episode and leave us a comment!

Support the show

https://linktr.ee/builtbytheredstick