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
๐ง In This Episode, Youโll Learn:
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.
๐ฏ Perfect for:
-
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.
๐ BUY Joeโs Book on Amazon:
From Bars to Jars: A Saucy Redemption Story ๐ Buy it here
๐ Follow Joe Gallagher Jr. & Apastioli Specialty Foods:
๐ Website: joegallagherjr.com ๐ Apastioli Foods: apastioli.com ๐ Facebook: facebook.com/joegallagherjr
๐๏ธ Connect with Teacher Curtis & Real English Conversations
๐ฌ Want to improve your English for business success? We currently have space for 5 professionals to join Teacher Curtis for 1-to-1 coaching. Book your trial session now and start speaking clearly, confidently, and effectively at work.
๐ Book your trial session here: https://realenglishconversations.com/memberships/member-plans/fluency-programs/trial-lesson/
OR!!! Join the 90-Day English Challenge โ now with 15% OFF using coupon code 90DAY15
๐ Join the 90-Day English Challenge
https://realenglishconversations.com/memberships/our-courses/90-day-next-level-english/
๐ Website: โ https://realenglishconversations.com
PATREON -> https://www.patreon.com/c/realenglishconversationspodcast/membership
๐ง Podcast:
Apple Podcasts โ https://bit.ly/REC_Apple
Spotify โ https://bit.ly/REC_Spotify
๐ Facebook: Real English Conversations โ https://bit.ly/REC_Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/RealEnglishConversationsOnline
๐บ YouTube: Real English Conversations Channel โ https://bit.ly/REC_YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/@realenglishconversations ๐ธ Instagram: @realenglishconversations โ https://bit.ly/REC_Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/rec.real.english/ ๐ผ LinkedIn: Curtis Davies โ https://bit.ly/REC_LinkedIn