He Got a DUI as a Firefighter—Then It Saved His Life w/Shane Kelley

In this episode of Journey 2 Solutions Podcast, we sit down with Shane Kelley, a retired firefighter, entrepreneur, recovery coach, and co-owner of Self Made Training Facility, who shares a powerful story about alcoholism, identity, honesty, and rebuilding his life through recovery and faith. For years, Shane’s identity was deeply connected to the fire service. But behind the uniform, he was struggling with alcohol. What started as drinking eventually became a cycle that affected his career, relationships, and sense of self. After receiving a DUI while serving as a firefighter and later being demoted, Shane watched the career he had built begin to unravel. At the time, it felt devastating—but looking back, he believes those consequences helped save his life. Shane spent nearly seven years with one foot in recovery and one foot out, repeatedly going in and out of AA. Everything changed on December 31, 2015, when he finally became completely honest with himself and decided he could no longer drink under any circumstance. That honesty became a turning point, and today Shane celebrates 10 years of sobriety. But recovery didn’t stop with alcohol. Years later, an injury and the mental toll of his career led Shane to leave the fire service and enter PTSD therapy. Through that process, faith, patience, fitness, nutrition, and recovery coaching became new foundations for his life. Today, he helps others improve their physical, mental, and spiritual well-being while navigating their own recovery journeys. 🎙️ We uncover: The hidden addiction and alcoholism that can exist within first-responder culture How Shane’s DUI and career setbacks became unexpected catalysts for change Why seven years of being halfway committed to recovery kept him trapped The moment radical honesty finally helped set him free How AA, faith, service, and connection became foundations for lasting sobriety Shane’s experience with PTSD therapy after leaving the fire service How fitness, nutrition, wellness, and recovery coaching became part of his new purpose Why God is teaching him patience, consistency, and trust in the process Shane’s story is for anyone who has built their entire identity around a career, title, or image while silently struggling underneath it. His journey reminds us that asking for help is not weakness, honesty can be the beginning of freedom, and sometimes the thing that feels like it destroyed your life becomes the very thing God uses to redirect it. You don’t have to have everything figured out today. Stay honest, stay connected, keep doing the work, and take recovery one day at a time. If you’re feeling lost, overwhelmed, or battling addiction or mental health challenges—you’re not alone. 🧠💔 There’s hope and help available. 📞 Call 877-587-1558 today—someone is ready to listen, walk with you, and help you start your journey to healing. Don’t wait. Your life matters. 💪✨