Stephen "Riggy Marz" Melnick: The Medicine of Music | The Hopeaholics Podcast
From a privileged upbringing in a musical, artsy family in Pasadena to a decades-long battle with addiction, Stephen shares his harrowing journey through heroin, meth, and fentanyl, surviving over 50 overdoses, including a devastating one on his son’s birthday that left him confronting the profound impact of his actions on his family. Now, at 38, with three months sober as of April 2025, Stephen opens up about the cycles of relapse, the transformative power of the 12 steps, and the pivotal role music plays in his recovery. Signed to The Orchard/Sony ATV, he channels his pain and hope into his art, creating authentic tracks that resonate with those fighting their own demons. Tune in to hear how Stephen turned his darkest moments—marked by jail, loss, and near-death experiences—into a higher purpose, inspiring others to find light in the chaos of addiction.
#thehopeaholics #redemption #recovery #AlcoholAddiction #AddictionRecovery #wedorecover #SobrietyJourney #MyStory #RecoveryIsPossible #Hope #wedorecover
Join our patreon to get access to an EXTRA EPISODE every week of ‘Off the Record’, exclusive content, a thriving recovery community, and opportunities to be featured on the podcast. https://patreon.com/TheHopeaholics
Follow the Hopeaholics on our Socials:
https://www.instagram.com/thehopeaholics
https://linktr.ee/thehopeaholics
Buy Merch:
https://thehopeaholics.myshopify.com
Visit our Treatment Centers: https://www.hopebythesea.com
If you or a loved one needs help, please call or text 949-615-8588. We have the resources to treat mental health and addiction.
Sponsored by the Infiniti Group LLC:
https://www.infinitigroupllc.com
Timestamps:
00:04:22 - Relapsing After Three Years of Sobriety
00:05:14 - In and Out of Recovery Since Age 15
00:06:28 - Finding Hope Through 12-Step Work
00:06:58 - Surviving Nine Fentanyl Overdoses
00:08:08 - Transitioning from Heroin to Crack Use
00:09:05 - Relapses Tied to Relationships and Kratom
00:10:27 - Struggling with Compulsive Behaviors
00:14:10 - Expulsion from Boarding School for Drug Use
00:15:18 - First Exposure to AA at Age 15
00:17:39 - Music Career Taking Off in Sobriety
00:26:05 - Realizing Impact of Actions on Family
00:30:06 - Surviving Over 50 Overdoses
01:00:47 - Valuing Artistic Independence
01:02:34 - Seeking Longevity Over Trends
01:04:48 - Music as Healing Therapy
01:06:33 - Staying Authentic in Art
01:11:10 - Sponsoring Others in Recovery
01:12:26 - Reflecting on Relapse and Redemption
Popular Podcasts
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
The Breakfast Club
The World's Most Dangerous Morning Show, The Breakfast Club, With DJ Envy, Jess Hilarious, And Charlamagne Tha God!
Crime Junkie
Does hearing about a true crime case always leave you scouring the internet for the truth behind the story? Dive into your next mystery with Crime Junkie. Every Monday, join your host Ashley Flowers as she unravels all the details of infamous and underreported true crime cases with her best friend Brit Prawat. From cold cases to missing persons and heroes in our community who seek justice, Crime Junkie is your destination for theories and stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Whether you're a seasoned true crime enthusiast or new to the genre, you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat awaiting a new episode every Monday. If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, you’ve found your people. Follow to join a community of Crime Junkies! Crime Junkie is presented by audiochuck Media Company.