Brad Lucero is the Chief Operating Officer of The Stout Street Foundation, which provides the necessary services and support in a totally structured therapeutic community environment to assist addicts and alcoholics to help themselves in rehabilitation, recovery, and transition in returning to society as productive and responsible citizens.

On this week’s show, Brad shares with me the history of The Stout Street Foundation, which includes the organization’s founding by his father, and his own entry into the Foundation upon his dad’s unexpected passing in 2006. We talk about how Stout Street is unique in that it’s a two-year immersive program, and those enrolling are charged nothing to join. It’s a unique place in Denver, and one providing an incredibly valuable service to those struggling with addiction whose next step is either prison or death.

As I tend to view things through a pop culture lens, I also ask Brad about Dr. Drew Pinsky and the glimpses he’s provided via television shows such as “Celebrity Rehab” or “Sober House.” Brad’s thoughts on this are interesting, and not exactly what I expected, which is always fun when connecting with someone new.

On a personal note, this is a fun episode because Brad and I are about the same age, and we exchange war stories from being dropped into the deep end early in our careers. It’s unnerving being fresh out of college and suddenly having real organizational responsibilities dropped in your lap, and it’s amusing to revisit where we were then versus where we are now. It’s a small snapsot into the past.

Check out Stout Street’s website, where you can out more about their programs, or donate directly to them to support the important work they do.

This episode is available for download on iTunes, to stream on Stitcher, or always at the Jon of All Trades homepage.

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