Podcast Summary: The Collage Podcast - Episode 61: Tina
Introduction and Background
In Episode 61 of The Collage Podcast, hosted by Jeff from Feed My Sheep in Temple, Texas, the spotlight shines on Tina Spillers—a resilient woman navigating the complexities of life on the streets. Released on February 5, 2025, this episode delves deep into Tina’s personal journey, her struggles, and her unwavering hope for the future.
Life in the Community: Temple and Davila
Tina introduces herself as a 42-year-old mother of six, originally from Austin, Texas, and raised in Milam County. She shares insights about the rural community of Temple and the nearby ghost town of Davila, where her mother resides and three of her children currently stay. Jeff remarks, “[00:47] Tina Spillers: Hello, everybody. My name is Tina Spillers. I'm originally from Austin, Texas. Raised in Milam County. I'm 42 years old, a mama, six. And two youngins on the way.”
Incarceration and Family Support
Tina opens up about her past experiences with incarceration, highlighting the steadfast support from her family during her time in prison. She states, “[04:24] Tina Spillers: In prison, y'all were still my family, were there for me.” This period was pivotal in shaping her perspective on family and resilience.
Life on the Streets
Transitioning from her time in prison, Tina discusses her life on the streets with a focus on dignity and self-respect. “[05:00] Tina Spillers: I've heard a lot of people always thought that I was never homeless when I was on the streets because I always carried myself with respect, always dressed pretty and nice with nice stuff.” Tina emphasizes her choice to maintain her appearance as a means of preserving her identity amidst adversity.
Safety and Challenges
A significant portion of the conversation centers on the dangers Tina faces while living without a stable home. “[07:15] Jeff: What is the hardest part of being outside on the street? [07:28] Tina Spillers: Being aware of your surroundings.” Tina elaborates on the constant vigilance required to protect herself from potential threats and theft, asserting, “[08:29] Tina Spillers: And they know what they can't. That we can say no and no means no.”
The Fentanyl Crisis
Tina brings attention to the rampant issue of fentanyl addiction, sharing her harrowing encounter with the drug. “[23:09] Tina Spillers: They found me face down. It was face down. He gave me fentanyl. I was fight. Face down.” She warns listeners about the pervasive presence of fentanyl in various substances, stating, “[24:26] Tina Spillers: Anything [has] fentanyl in it.” Her testimony underscores the urgent need for awareness and intervention in the battle against opioid addiction.
Personal Struggles and Recovery
Tina candidly discusses her battle with addiction, revealing her journey towards recovery. “[26:12] Tina Spillers: I beat that addiction. I don't even want it.” Her determination to overcome addiction serves as an inspiring testament to personal strength and the possibility of change.
Hope and Vision for the Future
Looking ahead, Tina shares her aspirations to secure stable housing and reunite with her children. “[29:21] Tina Spillers: Where have a house. I'm gonna have my own vehicle out in the country.” She envisions a future where she can provide a safe and nurturing environment for her family, stating, “[34:17] Jeff: And that's beautiful.”
The Role of Community Support
A recurring theme throughout the episode is the importance of community support and collective action. Tina emphasizes, “[38:07] Jeff: And because like here, I will say I can't do anything about Austin, but I know Temple. We can make a difference here.” The conversation highlights the potential impact of unified efforts in addressing homelessness and addiction within the local community.
Conclusion
Episode 61 of The Collage Podcast offers a poignant glimpse into Tina Spillers' life, illuminating the harsh realities of homelessness and addiction while simultaneously conveying a message of hope and resilience. Tina’s story is a compelling call to action for listeners to recognize the humanity in every individual and to contribute to meaningful change within their communities. As Jeff eloquently concludes, “[46:57] Tina Spillers: Speak. Because we all matter.” This episode underscores that every person deserves love, support, and the opportunity to rebuild their lives.
Notable Quotes:
- Tina Spillers [07:33]: "There are people out there just lurking to find something that you have that they want."
- Jeff [08:36]: "That's right. And they are yours and yours alone. They’re going to try to take just because they think they can."
- Tina Spillers [23:25]: "Please do not. Do not. Do not use that stuff. Do not use anything that has any kind of fentanyl."
- Jeff [34:03]: "And like that, like a hope and a belief of what could be and then what's going to be."
This structured and detailed summary captures the essence of Episode 61, providing readers with a comprehensive understanding of the discussions, insights, and emotional depth shared by Tina and Jeff.