34 Years Sober, Running the Sahara, & Choosing Hard Suffering with Ultramarathoner Charlie Engle

In this episode of Finding New Waters, host B. Reeves sits down with world-renowned ultramarathoner, author, speaker, and recovery advocate Charlie Engle. Celebrating 34 years of continuous sobriety, Charlie shares his incredible journey from a six-day crack cocaine binge that ended with bullet holes and handcuffs in Wichita, Kansas, to running across the entire Sahara Desert—completing two marathons a day for 111 days straight alongside film producer Matt Damon.Charlie and B. Reeves dive deep into how an obsessive personality can be transformed from a destructive force into a life-giving superpower. Charlie discusses using extreme physical endurance as a tool for catharsis and self-discovery, navigating the concept of "Anchors and Beacons" in relationships, making peace with past mistakes, and preparing for his most ambitious expedition yet: traveling from the lowest place on Earth (the Dead Sea) to the highest summit (Mount Everest). Plus, Charlie explains his work with Anonymous Health, leveraging AI technology so treatment centers never miss a call from someone seeking help.TIMESTAMPS[00:00] Episode Teaser & B. Reeves Introduces Ultramarathoner Charlie Engle[03:40] "My only goal was to not have a real job": Celebrating 34 years of sobriety[05:35] Wichita Rock Bottom: Bullet holes, handcuffs, and a crack pipe under the seat[09:30] Day One: Running two miles, puking in the bushes, and going to meetings with open ears[11:00] Running as fitness, wellness, and cathartic punishment[13:00] Putting your own oxygen mask on: Prioritizing recovery within family life[17:40] "You just switched addictions": Addressing critics and the "Anchors & Beacons" concept[25:00] Turning an obsessive nature into a recovery superpower[29:40] Running the Sahara Desert: 111 days, 2 marathons a day, and working with Matt Damon[35:20] North Carolina roots, UNC Chapel Hill days, Roy Williams, and Michael Jordan[45:00] Geographical escapes, hail damage businesses, and fear of a boring sober life[49:45] The Lowest to Highest Expedition: Swimming the Dead Sea to climbing Mount Everest[53:50] "Wish you were around more": Emotional honesty with his son and building a support team[55:50] Finding a way past the moment you want to quit[01:08:40] Anonymous Health: Using AI to ensure treatment centers never miss a call for helpLINKS & RESOURCES* Primary Website: newwatersrecovery.com* Charlie Engle Official Website: charlieengle.comCALL TO ACTIONIf Charlie's journey from rock bottom to extraordinary physical endurance inspired you, please like this video, drop a comment below, and subscribe to the channel. Share this episode with anyone looking to overcome adversity!#FindingNewWaters #CharlieEngle #BReeves #NewWatersRecovery #Ultramarathon #RunningTheSahara #Sobriety #AddictionRecovery #DoHardThings #Everest🎙️ Watch & ListenWebsite: www.findingnewwaters.comSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4NOV2g85KExFWU5mTz5GjwApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/finding-new-waters/id1684075608YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjfAIXtiOgy1XFcwAduXgXwYouTube Music: https://music.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLuJOc6yLcjibGGAKgLYPCN47etJCY89mn