Sound Matters #036 features Tom's interview with Freddy Negrete and Steve Jones, authors of "Smile Now, Cry Later: Guns, Gangs, and Tattoos - My Life in Black and Gray". This conversation with both Freddy and Steve deliberately focuses primarily on the journey from recovery to discovery, health, life, and ultimately... giving back. Digging into Freddy's life through addiction, multiple heart attacks, recovery, and counseling youth today, to Steve's initial encounter with Freddy and the years-long project of writing this highly recommended book... it's a fascinating story, and a must listen episode.

Inside the Interview:
04:00 – Was writing the book cathartic and helpful on Freddy's recovery journey?
05:02 – On Freddy's work counseling youth addicts...
06:34 – What does Freddy attribute to higher visibility of the opioid epidemic?
08:01 – What are the challenges youth face as they head into their journey of recovery?
09:20 – On the difference between want to, and need to with respect to recovery...
10:45 – What initially drew Steve to Freddy and his story...
13:45 – On Freddy's life-threatening health challenges that ultimately led to his recovery...
18:24 – On the challenges Steve & Freddy faced writing the book...
20:18 – Closing quote...

Connect with Freddy Negrete & Steve Jones:
Freddy's Instagram: www.instagram.com/freddy_negrete
Facebook: www.facebook.com/freddy.negrete.79
Steve's Website: www.stevejoneswriter.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/smiler.jones

Connect with TOM LEU:
Websites: www.SoundMatters.tv | www.TomLeu.com | www.16Imaging.com
Official Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/tomleu2
Twitter: www.twitter.com/tomleu (@tomleu)
Instagram: www.instagram.com/tomleu (@tomleu)
YouTube: www.youtube.com/tomleu

"Sound Matters Radio" Episode 036 at www.SoundMatters.tv/sound-matters-radio-036