Episode #20: Relapse, Redemption, and the Grand Canyon: Mike’s Recovery Journey

In this episode, I sit down with my friend Mike — a recovering alcoholic, SOAR graduate, and one of the most genuine men I know. Mike first came to SOAR in 2019, broken and at rock bottom. He was 250 pounds, unhealthy, suicidal, and watching his marriage slip away. His drinking had taken everything from him. After hitting that wall, Mike checked into inpatient rehab for 30 days, came back to SOAR, and never looked back. Over the years he’s built a life of service, faith, and purpose — helping others get sober as a recovery coach and alumni leader. We talk about relapse, redemption, and the deep work of recovery — from the sweat lodge experiences he helped bring into SOAR, to the yearly Grand Canyon trips he inspired. Mike opens up about God, failure, healing, and what keeps him grounded today. This one’s real, raw, and powerful.