Dustin Chavez - The Devine Salerno Podcast No. 19

Dustin Chavez - The Devine Salerno Podcast No. 19 In this raw and motivating episode, Devine sits down with Dustin Chavez — a former show promoter, street hustler, and 25-year addict who turned his life around after 2 years in prison. Now 4+ years clean and sober, Dustin serves as the Director of Workforce Development at Empower Recovery Homes in Denver, where he builds vocational programs and fights hard to get justice-involved men and women real job opportunities. Dustin opens up about the music industry grind (including working with Baby Bash), the party lifestyle that masked deep addiction, building (and almost burning) relationships, and the harsh reality of how the system builds cases while you think you're getting away with it. He shares powerful insights on recovery, personal responsibility, the importance of work in staying sober, and why relationships are everything — both in the streets and in building a new life. From creating job programs for women in recovery, balancing hustle with integrity, to lessons learned from mentors and the music game, this conversation is packed with street wisdom, accountability, and practical hope for anyone in reentry or fighting addiction. Timestamps: 00:00 - Intro & Welcome to Episode 19 01:33 - Dustin's Current Role at Empower Recovery Homes 03:20 - Challenges Getting Women Jobs in Recovery 05:30 - Introducing Himself: 4 Years Clean & Background 08:45 - Music Career, Baby Bash & the "Show Business" Reality 12:10 - Addiction, Street Hustle & Burning Bridges 16:40 - Prison Time & the Wake-Up Call 21:00 - Transition into Recovery Work & Vocational Programs 26:30 - Building Relationships & Opportunities Post-Recovery 32:15 - Leadership, Workforce Development & Helping Others 38:50 - Lessons from the Music Industry Applied to Life 45:20 - Accountability, Humility & Personal Growth 52:10 - Advice for Those Still Struggling 58:45 - The Power of Work + Recovery Balance 1:05:30 - Future Vision for Empower & Second Chances 1:12:40 - Closing Thoughts & Motivation 👉Connect with Dustin: Dustin@empowerrecoveryhomes.com 👉 Follow Devine: Snapchat: / devinesalerno Instagram: / thedevinesalerno TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/thedevinesalerno/ Facebook: / thedevinesalernopodcast X: https://www.x.com/westdevine4tay/ thedevinesalernopodcast.com 👉 Follow Ledger Media Company: TikTok: @ledgermediacompany Instagram: @ledgermediacompany ledgermediacompany.com 👉 Follow Gold Standard Recovery: Search “Gold Standard Recovery” or visit goldstandarddenver.com 👉 Support Empower Recovery Homes: IG: @empowerrecoveryhomes empowerrecoveryhomes.com Episode Recorded May 18th, 2026 All Rights Reserved - Ledger Media Company | The Devine Salerno Podcast 🔔 Subscribe for new episodes every week and turn on notifications. 👍 Like if this episode spoke to you. Search “Dustin Chavez - The Devine Salerno Podcast” on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and everywhere else! Drop a like, comment, and subscribe if these redemption stories hit home. Real talk for the culture. #Recovery #Reentry #WorkforceDevelopment #Sobriety #RedemptionStory #TheDevineSalernoPodcast #AddictionRecovery