Off Skid Row: Joe K. Calms the Storm Within

Under a bridge, drinking Carlo Rossi, grilling a stolen steak on a sideways shopping cart—he thought he’d made it.

In this gripping episode of The Cup of Joe Show, Joe K. shares his wild, raw, and redemptive story of recovery. Born into a working-class family in Southern California with a firefighter dad and nurse mom, Joe’s world was rocked by a bitter divorce at age 10—and that same year, he had his first blackout. By 14, he’d dropped out of school, hit the road with the Grateful Dead, and began a 12-year stretch living homeless along the Pacific Coast.

From jail cells to makeshift camps under Seattle bridges, Joe wore his pain like armor—proudly calling himself a "skid row drunk." But under the bravado was a broken man praying for it all to end.

Everything changed the day he followed a “cute” girl into a 12-step meeting—and met Jenny, a woman in recovery who helped him take his very first commitment: vacuuming the floor. That small act sparked a transformation that would reshape his life. With time, guidance, and spiritual work, Joe found peace, purpose, and a powerful connection to a Higher Power.

Now sober since 2006, Joe has expunged 11 convictions, earned multiple degrees including a master’s, and found deep love with his fiancée, Jennifer. He believes life isn’t measured in years—it’s measured in dogs—and every step forward is an act of faith.

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The Cup of Joe Show explores the journey of recovery from alcohol and drug addiction—one story, one conversation, and one step at a time. New Episode Every Thursday at Noon.