In this episode, Steve Smith sits down with Steph Macleod, a Scottish singer-songwriter who shares his powerful journey of addiction recovery. Together, they explore how faith and community played crucial roles in Steph's transformation from a life of homelessness and addiction to one of hope and purpose. They dive into the raw realities of addiction, discussing how hitting rock bottom can be the catalyst for real, lasting change. By tuning in, you’ll hear Steph's inspiring story and learn about the profound impact of Christ-centered recovery and the importance of community support.

Join Steve Smith and Steph Macleod as they offer hope, healing, and the possibility of thriving beyond addiction—moving toward a future filled with grace, redemption, and a renewed sense of self.

Here are three reasons why you should listen to this episode:

1. Gain a deep understanding of how faith and community can be powerful catalysts for overcoming addiction and building a life rooted in purpose and healing.
2. Understand practical steps and the importance of Christ-centered recovery programs that help individuals break free from addiction and achieve lasting sobriety.
3. Learn how to find hope through Steph Macleod’s inspiring real-life story of battling addiction, hitting rock bottom, and transforming his life through faith and music.

Resources

• Sign up for a FREE excerpt on Lucinda Smith's book, 'The Red Thread': Forgive
• Live from Rest Podcast: Apple Podcasts | Spotify 
• Live from Rest App: Google Play | App Store
• The Keys Project: Website 
• The Bethany Christian Trust - Website
• Steph McLeod’s Celtic Worship: Youtube  
• Steph McLeod: Website | Facebook | Instagram  

Episode Highlights

Steph Macleod and Celtic Worship

• Celtic worship grew organically, starting with a church service at the Celtic Connections Festival in Glasgow.
• This ministry is where Steph began his path of worship — by leading the congregation through music.
• Steph recreates old hymns to make them new and relevant to the modern day.

Steph's Personal Story of Addiction Recovery

• Steph was homeless, and is a recovering alcoholic and addict.
• The turning point in Steph’s life was when he was offered a bed by the Bethany Christian Trust and accepted Christ.
• The Christ-centered recovery program he went through changed his life.
• One thing that Steph feels was critical to his recovery was having Christ at the center of it all.

Where to Begin the Path of Recovery

• Steph experienced severe addiction; he was drinking three bottles of whiskey every day and self-harming.
• It was a painful trial for him — he was diagnosed with PTSD and a pharmaceutical addiction.
• It’s critical to address the root causes of addiction, such as unaddressed trauma.

Steph: “Alcohol isn’t your problem, it’s the solution to your problem. You’ve used all this to self-medicate for so many years, and we need to get to the root of that”

• Medication is a powerful tool in recovery, but it’s important to balance its usage.

Hold On To Hope

• Addiction is more than just drugs and alcohol — it can also be pornography and work addictions.

Steve: “It's just so good to know that we can really find freedom — from that, we get healed.”

• There is a way out of addiction. Faith and hope can lead you to freedom.
• Steph had a personal experience of finding hope in Christ which transformed his life.
• If you are struggling: reach out. That’s often the first step toward recovery.

Addiction Recovery Through Faith

• Steph’s story is powerful inspiration for anyone struggling with addiction.
• The Keys Project is an organization dedicated to helping people suffering from addiction through faith.
• Just as it’s important to ask for help, it’s good for us to reach out to those suffering. Steve offers a prayer of aid for all those deep in the darkness of addiction.

Steph: “I pray for my brothers and sisters. I pray for them to have the courage to reach out and ask for help, which is one of the hardest things to do.”

About Steph Macleod 

Steph Macleod is a Scottish singer-songwriter and a passionate advocate for addiction recovery. Having journeyed through severe alcohol and drug addiction that led to homelessness, Steph found transformation through faith and the support of the Bethany Christian Trust, a Christian homeless charity. Now in long-term recovery, he combines his musical talents with his commitment to helping others overcome the challenges of addiction.

As a key supporter of the Keys Project, a charity focused on supporting individuals in achieving lasting recovery, Steph uses his story and music to inspire hope. He blends traditional Scottish music with Christian worship, reflecting his journey of redemption. Through sharing his experiences and advocating for Christ-centered recovery programs, Steph offers guidance rooted in faith and community. His transformative journey has not only reshaped his own life but has also inspired countless others to find hope and healing.

Connect with Steph Macleod on his website. You can also subscribe to him on Youtube, or follow him on Facebook and Instagram.

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Post a review and share it! If you enjoyed tuning in, then leave us a review. You can also share this episode with your friends and family. No matter how deep the struggle or how far you've fallen, there's always hope for addiction recovery — even if you've hit rock bottom. Through faith, support, and perseverance, healing is always possible.

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