From addiction and prison to purpose and impact โ this is a redemption story you wonโt forget.
In this episode, Curtis sits down with Joe Gallagher Jr., also known as Chef Giuseppe, a former Grammy-nominated musician turned faith-driven entrepreneur, author, and founder of Apastioli Specialty Foods โ one of the fastest-growing food brands in the Southern U.S.
Joeโs story begins in darkness: a traumatic accident, a spiral into addiction, broken relationships, attempted murder charges, and years lost behind bars. But through sobriety, faith, and a simple act of service โ sharing a homemade sauce at a recovery meeting โ Joe began to rebuild his life and reconnect with purpose.
Today, his business is expanding into major grocery chains, his book is inspiring lives, and his message is clear: โEven the most broken people can become powerful healers.โ
โ
How Joe went from prison to purpose
โ
The connection between redemption and entrepreneurship
โ
How sharing your story can heal others
โ
The power of faith, service, and second chances
โ
What Joeโs journey teaches us about communication, identity, and resilience
โ
Why speaking your truth is the first step to becoming who youโre meant to be
This is more than a food business story โ itโs a raw, honest, and empowering conversation about rebuilding from rock bottom, overcoming shame, and learning to lead with love.
Anyone navigating recovery, reinvention, or big personal change
Global professionals learning to speak confidently and authentically
Entrepreneurs, educators, and language learners looking for real inspiration
Whether you're learning English, launching a business, or trying to reclaim your voice, this episode will lift you up and remind you whatโs possible.
From Bars to Jars: A Saucy Redemption Story
๐ Buy it here
๐ Website: joegallagherjr.com
๐ Apastioli Foods: apastioli.com
๐ Facebook: facebook.com/joegallagherjr
If youโre ready to tell your story in English
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.
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com
New Heights with Jason & Travis Kelce
Footballโs funniest family duo โ Jason Kelce of the Philadelphia Eagles and Travis Kelce of the Kansas City Chiefs โ team up to provide next-level access to life in the league as it unfolds. The two brothers and Super Bowl champions drop weekly insights about the weekly slate of games and share their INSIDE perspectives on trending NFL news and sports headlines. They also endlessly rag on each other as brothers do, chat the latest in pop culture and welcome some very popular and well-known friends to chat with them. Check out new episodes every Wednesday. Follow New Heights on the Wondery App, YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen to new episodes early and ad-free, and get exclusive content on Wondery+. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. And join our new membership for a unique fan experience by going to the New Heights YouTube channel now!