In this deeply personal episode of Overcoming Adversity, Amanda Marino is joined by her 19-year-old son, Merik, for a rare and raw conversation about growing up, healing generational trauma, and finding your purpose in helping others. From EMT training to future goals in firefighting and intervention, Merik opens up about his quiet strength, his simple truth, and the love that shaped him. With warmth, humor, and a few ball-busting moments, Amanda and Sarah reflect on how one son’s steady presence helped spark a mother’s transformation—and how their journey together continues to evolve.

A touching look at resilience, recovery, and raising a good man in a complicated world.

Next Level Recovery Associates:
Instagram: @nextlevelrecoveryassoc
Facebook: Next Level Recovery Associates
LinkedIn: Next Level Recovery Associates
TikTok: @nextlevelrecoveryassoc
YouTube: Next Level Recovery Associates

Amanda Marino:
Instagram: @amandamarinorecovery
Facebook: Amanda Marino, Behavioral Health Consultant and Interventionist
LinkedIn: Amanda Marino
TikTok: @amandamarinorecovery
YouTube: @amandamarinorecovery

Sarah Frias:
Instagram: @sarahefrias

In this uplifting episode, Amanda Marino and Sarah Frias sit down with Keesha Scott—mom of three, co-founder of Guardian Recovery, and author of the upcoming book Cake for Dinner. With 23 years sober, Keesha shares her journey of rebuilding after loss, raising kids as a single mom, and finding her purpose helping adolescents who don’t fit the mold.

She opens up about parenting through chaos, co-parenting with compassion, and why her daughter’s defiant spirit taught her more than any parenting book ever could. From starting Guardian in a tiny Delray office to leading programs nationwide, Keesha’s story is one of grit, heart, and choosing to rise again—and yes, sometimes that means having cake for dinner.

This is real talk about recovery, motherhood, and embracing imperfection with grace.

Next Level Recovery Associates:
Instagram: @nextlevelrecoveryassoc
Facebook: Next Level Recovery Associates
LinkedIn: Next Level Recovery Associates
TikTok: @nextlevelrecoveryassoc
YouTube: Next Level Recovery Associates

Amanda Marino:
Instagram: @amandamarinorecovery
Facebook: Amanda Marino, Behavioral Health Consultant and Interventionist
LinkedIn: Amanda Marino
TikTok: @amandamarinorecovery
YouTube: @amandamarinorecovery

Sarah Frias:
Instagram: @sarahefrias

Lee Pepper flew in, rerouted his life—and dropped pure gold on this episode of Overcoming Adversity. Amanda Marino dives into Lee’s journey from military service to behavioral health marketing legend, and how his new book Never Outmatched turns battlefield strategies into business and life lessons.

From leadership and AI to war-gaming your business plan, this episode is packed with insight, humor, and heart. Whether you’re in recovery, running a company, or just trying to pivot with purpose—this one’s for you.

Next Level Recovery Associates:
Instagram: @nextlevelrecoveryassoc
Facebook: Next Level Recovery Associates
LinkedIn: Next Level Recovery Associates
TikTok: @nextlevelrecoveryassoc
YouTube: Next Level Recovery Associates

Amanda Marino:
Instagram: @amandamarinorecovery
Facebook: Amanda Marino, Behavioral Health Consultant and Interventionist
LinkedIn: Amanda Marino
TikTok: @amandamarinorecovery
YouTube: @amandamarinorecovery

Sarah Frias:
Instagram: @sarahefrias