Rock Bottom With Ryan

Told He Had 6 Months to Live: Lee Crompton on Surviving Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer & Mental Health | Rock BottomIn this episode of Rock Bottom with Ryan, guest Lee Crompton shares how a lump in his neck during the 2020 COVID lockdown led from inconclusive tests to surgery and a shocking diagnosis of rare anaplastic thyroid cancer, with an initial prognosis where “six months would be a positive outcome.” Lee describes the fear, isolation, and practical “admin” of preparing for death while raising a three-year-old and an eight-month-old, undergoing a second operation to remove his thyroid, radioactive iodine treatment, and continued scans and bloodwork. Nearly six years later, he reflects on the mental health impact of both expecting to die and then surviving, how it gave him permission to talk openly about anxiety and depression, and how that led to his Mindcake podcast exploring varied mental health approaches.00:00 Neck Lump Scare04:21 Lockdown Life Stress06:13 Tests And Tough Choices09:02 Diagnosis Changes Everything12:01 Second Surgery And Prognosis14:12 Facing Mortality Admin17:00 Mental Health Aftermath21:18 Pain Story And Stigma25:14 Kids Legacy And Memories29:19 Moving On And Milestones30:09 Separate Timelines31:47 Living in Treatment Mode33:33 Hope After Prognosis37:41 Dodging the Bullet38:47 What Really Matters41:52 Brian and the Play43:24 Mindcake Origins47:17 Trying Weird Therapies49:43 This Too Shall Pass54:43 Advice and Small Steps58:18 Where to Find Mindcake

From Crack, DWIs & Jail to Recovery Coach: Scott’s Rock Bottom Story | Rock Bottom with RyanIn this episode of Rock Bottom with Ryan, guest Scott (sober since 1/8/18) shares how he grew up in small-town upstate New York in a strained, chaotic home with an alcoholic father, early behavioral issues, school expulsions, and criminal activity that escalated into decades of heavy drinking and drug use. Scott describes working in kitchens where partying was constant, multiple DWIs that led to felony charges and probation violations, and eight months in jail followed by immediate relapse. After years of cycling through substances, he spiraled into crack use, dealing, and suicidal thoughts before surrendering and flying to South Florida for detox and treatment. Scott explains how 12-step support, service, sober living, therapy, and building honest relationships helped him rebuild his life, improve his relationship with his son, and become a certified recovery support specialist, case manager, and recovery coach helping others seek help and stay sober.00:00 Kitchen Life Begins00:40 Probation Spiral00:56 Addiction Explained01:19 Show Intro Sponsor02:48 Meet Scott04:08 Upstate Childhood05:58 Neglect And Trouble07:17 Teen Party House09:35 Selling And Stealing11:23 School Failure Cooking12:14 Kitchen Party Cycle13:16 DWIs And Felony16:09 Court Drunk Probation17:26 Drug Court Jail Time20:13 Jail Mindset Relapse24:01 Relationships As Escape25:59 Identity In Drugs27:15 Breaking Point Surrender32:54 Florida Rehab Decision34:08 Last Blizzard Binge35:10 Insurance Ultimatum37:05 First Days in Detox39:47 Recovery Lightbulb42:16 Sponsor and Steps43:41 Sober Living Reset45:35 Triggers and Tape47:20 Fatherhood From Afar51:56 Therapy and Connection54:20 Recovery Career Path57:49 Surrender and Hope59:38 Relapse History and Milestones01:00:59 Closing Reflections

From War, Nightlife & Cocaine to Sobriety: JR’s Rock Bottom and Rebuilding Through FitnessOn Rock Bottom with Ryan, JR shares how barely graduating high school and later serving as an Army forward observer—deploying to Iraq after 9/11, losing friends, and returning with panic attacks—led to diagnoses of ADHD, bipolar II, and PTSD and fueled escalating drinking and drug use. After finding success in restaurants, JR entered the nightclub world, became a DJ/promoter with major gigs, and spiraled into daily whiskey and cocaine, legal trouble, toxic relationships, cheating, and suicidal thoughts. A degrading night of sex behind a club and the damage he caused to a girlfriend pushed him to attend AA, where he stopped drinking in 2018. Though initially a “dry drunk,” he later rebuilt his life through prayer, routines, fitness, nutrition, integrity, and purpose, ultimately becoming a coach focused on identity change, environment, and self-development.00:00 Diploma Drama00:23 Mental Health Spiral00:41 Bar Pickup Gone Wrong00:54 Show Intro and Sponsor02:34 Meet JR and Sober Date04:02 Childhood and Family05:55 School Struggles and Sports07:06 Joining the Army08:44 First Drugs in Nashville11:31 9/11 and Iraq Deployment13:32 PTSD Diagnosis and Drinking14:44 Nightlife DJ Success17:52 Addiction Takes Over18:30 Felony Charge and Probation20:51 Dark Days and Suicidal Thoughts22:29 Toxic Relationships and Fatherhood24:43 Approaching Rock Bottom25:13 Dumpster Wake Up Call26:13 Paranoia And Consequences26:45 First AA Meeting27:26 AA Love And Critiques29:57 Dry Drunk Reality31:21 Prayer Routine And Fitness34:05 Vulnerability Becomes Coaching35:35 Rebuilding Identity Blueprint38:29 Fitness As A New Addiction40:11 Integrity And Karma Shift42:09 Advice For Day One44:33 Where To Find Him45:02 Light At The Tunnel46:24 Redefining Success47:37 Quotes And Future Self50:02 Closing Hope And Gratitude

Allie Clark on Narcissistic Family Trauma, CPTSD, and Finding Sobriety Without “No Contact” | Rock Bottom with RyanOn Rock Bottom with Ryan and Rachel, guest Allie Clark (Kansas City area) shares how her drinking changed the day her mother died—publicly framed as kidney cancer but actually an opioid overdose tied to treatment—leading to years of blackout drinking, especially on Thanksgiving. She describes growing up with a narcissistic mother behind a polished exterior, including punishment around eating, medical neglect, and lasting self-hate and perfectionism. Motherhood and giving birth in the same hospital retriggered trauma, escalating her daily drinking and later dangerous wine-and-Xanax use after a breakdown. Now nearing nine years sober (June 23, 2017), Allie discusses CPTSD symptoms, somatic tools, and a therapist’s view that forgiveness isn’t required to heal. She explains her Sober Dream Team coaching helping women stay sober while navigating narcissistic dynamics and boundaries, especially through holidays.00:00 Hidden Cause of Death00:56 PTSD and Triggers01:28 Show Intro and Sponsor03:50 Meet Ally Again04:52 Wine and Xanax Blackouts06:16 Mom’s Death Changed Drinking09:26 Narcissistic Family Mask13:26 Motherhood Rekindles Trauma17:40 Daily Drinking to Xanax19:55 Self Worth and Perfectionism21:35 Breaking the Cycle Parenting23:58 Somatic Tools for Healing25:50 Filling the Emotional Void26:01 Academics as Escape27:17 Trauma in the Body29:06 Forgiveness and Healing31:38 Sobriety as Foundation33:50 Coaching Through Narcissism38:24 When Narcissists Retaliate45:13 Misunderstood Survival Mode48:03 Advice and Rock Bottom51:10 Closing Gratitude

From 37 Years in the Army to a Bio-Thriller: Randal Maurer on Threat Unseen, Purpose, and Veteran Advocacy | Rock Bottom with RyanIn this episode of Rock Bottom with Ryan, Ryan interviews Randal Maurer, author of the biological thriller Threat Unseen, focusing on how Randal’s 37-year Army career and plant biology background shaped his writing. Randal shares growing up in rural Wisconsin, joining the Army at 17, early independence overseas in Germany, years split between active duty and the reserves, and retiring in June 2023 before selling most of his belongings to travel full-time by camper with his wife. He explains the novel’s premise: how real plant and fungal research, including genetic manipulation, could be used for good or catastrophic crop die-offs if exploited. Randal discusses his transition struggles, PTSD treatment experiences, and his mission to encourage veterans to seek help and watch for those silently struggling. He also previews a potential sequel inspired by travels in Germany and Spain.00:00 Teen to Germany01:00 Helping Fellow Veterans01:26 Show and Sponsor Intro02:58 Meet Randal Maurer05:43 Roots and Family Values08:13 Joining at Seventeen10:25 Early Army Adjustments12:06 Reserve to Active Duty14:11 Threat Unseen Origins19:32 Science Behind the Thriller23:18 Military Shaping the Hero25:07 Drafts and Leadership Lens28:21 Researching Realism29:45 Writing With Restraint30:30 Could Threats Be Real31:43 AI And Creativity33:37 Dream Movie Casting34:57 Reading Influences36:55 Military PTSD Journey42:29 Veteran Advocacy Mission44:18 Next Novel Tease46:01 Message And Five Years48:00 Rock Bottom Lessons51:05 Advice And Wrap Up

From Cocaine Rock Bottom to Recovery: Richard’s Story & Inside Ark House Rehab | Rock Bottom with RyanRichard, from Scarborough in North Yorkshire, shares how early alcohol use and a pressured upbringing led to a long, escalating cocaine addiction that progressed from social use to daily dependence, car-park and hotel binges, job loss, debt, and an attempted suicide plan. A WhatsApp message from his 11-year-old son prompted him to admit he was an addict and seek help, leading to treatment at Ark House on 5/4/2020. He describes surrendering, recognizing he was also alcoholic, finding a higher power in the sea, and using 12-step work and counseling to face trauma and stop using. Richard explains Ark House’s structured, abstinence-based program, confidentiality, phone restrictions, assessments, co-ed capacity, aftercare via Zoom, and staff with lived experience. He now works there, helps others access detox and treatment, and advises listeners to reach out, attend meetings, get a sponsor, and do daily recovery work.00:00 Coke Car Park Spiral01:28 Podcast Intro Sponsor02:57 Meet Richard Sober Date04:05 Childhood Pressure Abuse06:31 Alcohol Early Coping08:35 Forced Bank Career11:03 First Cocaine Hit13:04 Addiction Takes Over15:47 IVF Losses Debt Jobs18:18 Rock Bottom Suicide Plan19:41 Confession Rehab Call21:13 Surrender Ark House23:09 Choosing Ark House Intake24:27 Tough Love Breakthrough25:15 Step Three Surrender26:17 Owning The Problem27:42 Last Use Realization29:25 Why Arkhouse Works31:30 Structure And Confidentiality33:59 First Month Challenges35:34 Helping Resistant Clients38:34 Choosing Recovery Yourself40:47 From Alumni To Staff44:56 Daily Recovery Routine45:50 Reach Out For Help47:15 Closing Thanks And Signoff

From Military Brat to Building Arcana Recovery: PTSD, Substance Use, and a Tech Solution for Treatment Engagement | Rock Bottom with Ryan Sharina joins Rock Bottom with Ryan and co-host Rachel to share her background as a military brat who moved frequently, navigated learning disabilities, and later joined the military at 17, including deployment to Iraq. She describes early substance use beginning in childhood, heavy partying as a club promoter, and how PTSD, anxiety, and depression contributed to dependence and losing her house, car, and stability. After a DUI and dual-diagnosis inpatient treatment, she experienced a shift through journaling and reframing, but struggled with discharge planning and relapse risk without housing or job security. Sharina explains how these gaps inspired Arcana Recovery, a platform that tracks recovery engagement and alerts support teams, and discusses expanding into licensed outpatient services for professionals, veterans, and returning citizens while emphasizing safe spaces and avoiding isolation.00:00 School Gaps and Catching Up01:16 Podcast Intro and Sponsor02:45 Meet Sharina and Recovery Views05:06 Military Brat Childhood07:14 Joining the Military at 1708:13 Moving Around and Relationships10:43 Learning Disability and Sports14:37 Early Substance Use Begins17:31 Post Iraq and Therapy Clash19:06 Club Promoter Party Life19:50 Purpose Crisis and Depression23:23 Community Center Full Circle26:43 DUI and Dual Diagnosis Program28:05 CBT Breakthrough29:20 Treatment Feels Safe29:44 Discharged Without Stability30:43 Relapse After Rehab31:57 Bargaining for a Job33:29 Building Business Ideas34:41 AI Therapy Pivot36:02 Arcana Recovery Explained37:20 Serving High Achievers39:44 Referrals and Screening42:02 Success Still Feels Empty44:49 Hosts Reflect on Sobriety50:11 Anxiety and Exposure53:10 Advice Find Safe Space55:04 Quote and Closing

Michael’s Rock Bottom: Tequila, Rehab, AA, and Finding Sobriety Through Ibogaine & IbogaOn Rock Bottom with Ryan, Michael shares how his tequila drinking progressively worsened—especially during COVID—despite being a high-functioning husband, father of three, and long-time tech sales professional. With a family history of alcoholism and mounting anxiety and physical discomfort, he struggled to stop despite repeated attempts, including AA, psilocybin, and “California sober,” and eventually completed a 30-day rehab stay. After relapsing, he pursued ibogaine treatment in Mexico, which eliminated his alcohol cravings but initially didn’t last; a second ibogaine treatment on August 30, 2025 became his sober date. He then completed a seven-day iboga retreat, reporting broader lifestyle changes like improved diet, hiking, weight loss, reduced sugar cravings, and a stronger spiritual connection, while continuing AA for community and emphasizing integration work.00:00 Vacation Drinking Spiral00:56 Rock Bottom Intro01:25 Sponsor Sober Strong02:36 Meet Michael Sober Date04:09 Family History Early Signs06:18 First Drinks High School07:31 Work Travel COVID Escalation09:39 Hiding Bottles Red Flags10:48 Health Anxiety Rock Bottom15:45 Rehab AA Relapse Cycle18:35 Ibogaine Discovery Reset22:19 Iboga Retreat Transformation23:21 What Ibogaine Feels Like26:11 Bwiti Tradition Spiritual Shift27:30 Palapa Night Ceremony28:10 Iboga Retreat Breakthroughs28:34 Integration After The Reset30:32 Costs Rehab Versus Iboga31:42 AA Bridge And Pushback39:53 Risks Misconceptions Safety41:26 Clinics Demand And Big Pharma44:16 Daily Routine Wellness Tools48:59 Closing Quote And Advice

AJ’s Rock Bottom: Opioid Addiction, Intervention, Rehab, and Recovery Through Fitness | Rock Bottom with RyanOn Rock Bottom with Ryan, guest AJ shares how a high-achieving, sports-focused upbringing and heavy partying in early adulthood eventually gave way to opioid addiction after multiple surgeries beginning in 2018. Prescribed Percocets, he quickly escalated to taking far beyond the recommended dose, buying pills illegally, hiding his use while functioning at work and home, and spending $500–$600 a day at his worst. After lying to his wife, attempting Suboxone and meetings, relapsing, and traveling with pills, AJ’s family staged an intervention that led him to rehab through his union. Following early stumbles after treatment, he committed to sobriety on October 12, 2024 and has not used opioids since, tapering Suboxone and rebuilding trust while coaching others using fitness, nutrition, mindset, and accountability.00:00 Addiction Costs Spiral00:45 Family Intervention Setup01:13 Show Intro Sponsor03:01 Meet AJ Sober Basics04:42 Childhood Pressure Sports06:38 First Drinks Weed08:12 Chameleon Teen Years09:13 College Party Crash12:32 Surgeries Start Opioids14:45 Tolerance Street Supply16:28 Hidden Functional Addiction19:27 Withdrawal Risks Smuggling21:40 Confession Rock Bottom24:02 Seeking Suboxone Help24:09 Suboxone And Meetings24:43 Lying And Relapse25:07 Family Intervention26:06 Choosing Rehab Anyway27:34 Inside Treatment Life29:16 Post Rehab Stumbles31:02 October 12 Sobriety Date32:27 Making Amends Rebuilding Trust33:45 Starting Recovery Coaching35:04 Fitness Food Mindset Blueprint38:44 Tradesmen Opioid Culture40:27 Life Then Versus Now44:36 Program Details And Contact46:23 Advice And Closing

On Rock Bottom with Ryan, Ryan and co-host Rachel Sereni interview Jaron Lyle, who shares his addiction and recovery story. From a supportive childhood in Arlington, Texas, he began using weed at 15, escalated to pills, then heroin and injecting drugs, alongside periods of crime that led to about 21.5 months in Texas prison. He describes multiple treatment stints (2010, 2015, 2019), a strong NA period from 2015–2018, relapse after divorce, and chaotic late-stage use in 2023–2025. Jaron marks his last use as April 26, 2025, describing a pivotal spiritual “universe” experience that motivated change. He explains his current structure—work, gym, Walmart, TikTok Live as “meetings and church,” family meals, and frequent tattoos—plus his “Radical Movement” focus on service and sharing stories to help others.00:00 Crime And Chaos Teaser01:04 Rock Bottom Intro01:32 Sponsor Message02:44 Meet The Guests03:54 Sober Date And Last Use05:02 Drugs Of Choice Evolution06:07 Treatment History Timeline06:42 Childhood And Early Trauma08:39 First Use In High School12:48 Keeping It Together14:28 Missionary Work To Oxy16:07 Crime And Prison Years17:55 Needle Life Explained19:50 Prison Mindset And Release22:44 Psychology Of Shooting Up25:52 Relationships In Addiction29:17 Final Stretch Day To Day30:10 Relapse Spiral31:39 Bar Trigger Return32:29 Paranoia And Chaos33:00 Night Before Quit34:01 Universe Deal Moment36:28 Building A Boring Life37:49 TikTok As Meetings41:39 Tattoos And Destiny44:53 Service Over Labels47:22 Radical Movement Mission53:10 Advice For Sober Curious56:56 Where To Find Him59:26 Closing And Congrats

From Rock Bottom to Recovery: Baelie’s Story of Alcohol Addiction, Rehab, and Sober Life in Utah | Rock Bottom with RyanOn Rock Bottom with Ryan, Ryan and co-host Rachel Sereni interview Baelie, a respiratory therapist from Moab, Utah, who got sober from alcohol on 4/26/24. Baelie describes growing up LDS, first drinking at 13–14, and how college freedom led to daily drinking—even during her respiratory therapy program—followed by health issues including facial swelling, liver pain, and an ER visit where a CT revealed early fatty liver disease. After a breakup she attributes to drinking-related choices, she sank into depression and guilt and attempted suicide by crashing her car while intoxicated, survived, briefly stopped, then relapsed and escalated again, including trying to drive drunk. A therapist and family intervention led her to a 47-day rehab stay, after which she stayed sober using coping tools, therapy, outdoor activity, and early AA before finding her sober community on TikTok, where she shares recovery content, dating boundaries, and advice for those struggling or feeling suicidal (including calling 988).00:00 Family Wake Up Call00:26 Health Scare And ER Reality01:17 Rock Bottom Intro01:46 Sponsor Message02:56 Meet Bailey And Sober Basics04:04 Growing Up LDS And Secret Drinking06:10 First Drink And Early Teens06:49 High School Sports And Partying07:34 College Freedom Turns Daily08:04 Drinking Through Respiratory School10:42 Fatty Liver Warning Signs12:40 Suicide Attempt And Breaking Point16:42 Relapse And Rehab Ultimatum20:00 Rehab Experience And Withdrawal21:51 Life After Rehab22:50 AA And Early Pride23:22 Sobriety On TikTok25:30 Daily Routine Outdoors26:48 Dating While Sober28:11 Medical Field Triggers29:22 Hiding Spots And Freedom32:08 Advice For Getting Sober35:19 Therapy And Community38:08 Suicidal Thoughts Help41:01 Handles And Wrap Up

In this episode of Rock Bottom with Ryan, Britt Gusmus shares his journey from chasing superficial gratification through years of alcohol and drug abuse to lasting recovery, faith, and service. Originally from Denver, Britt celebrates 20 years sober (9/19/2005) and recounts early warning signs, blackouts, violence, and escalating use that included cocaine, ecstasy, and meth, alongside deep shame, identity loss after athletics, and a “dying inside” internal war. He describes surrendering after losing everything, immersing in AA/CA/NA, men’s meetings, and rebuilding through community, sobriety softball, and a spiritual relationship with God. Today, Britt coaches football, works as a high school dean, and discusses his book and workbook, The Oak Tree Source, centered on digging deep, emotional resilience, integrity, service, and becoming strong and sturdy like an oak tree.

Ryan interviews Michael, founder of Sober Hats, about his long, relapse-filled recovery journey. Michael describes starting alcohol at 13 with a Southern Comfort blackout, growing up in a family marked by secrecy and his father’s alcoholism, and first entering AA at 20 with periods of sobriety that faded as he stopped engaging in recovery. After building and selling a pizza business, running early coffee shops, and then working at a bank, he relapsed into vodka, hiding and blackouts, leading to multiple 30-day treatment stays. Later, prescription medications (opiates, Adderall, Xanax) escalated into street use and delusion, culminating in 2017 when his wife and kids left, prompting his sobriety date of September 23, 2017. He explains launching soberhats.com to “recover out loud,” break stigma, and spark connection through hats like “Sober.,” “Clean.,” and “Sober Ally.”00:00 First Drink Blackout01:19 Podcast Intro and Sponsor02:50 Meet Michael from Sober Hats04:32 Early Drinking and AA Start05:52 Southern Comfort at 1308:35 Family Secrets and Dad’s Alcoholism13:15 Falling in Love with AA16:20 Business Success and Drifting19:59 Relapse After Nine Years23:29 Car Blackout and Rehab24:54 Bathroom Vodka Confession27:37 Second Slide and Opiates29:28 Blackout Work Ultimatum30:38 Treatment Shame Cycle31:28 Marriage Complacency Warning32:37 Adderall Xanax Spiral34:15 Family Leaves Rock Bottom35:29 Addiction Substitution Talk38:09 Kids Confront Hidden Pills40:35 Recovering Out Loud Idea41:24 Sober Period Hat Launch43:27 Influencers And Events47:12 Mike The Situation Connection50:23 Normalizing Addiction Stigma51:37 Building Brand Challenges54:52 Impact And Proud Smiles56:56 Community Shoutouts Closing

Kenneth’s 476 Days Sober: Trauma, Rock Bottom, and Rebuilding a Life in Recovery | Rock Bottom with RyanIn this episode of Rock Bottom with Ryan, Ryan reunites with Kenneth, now 476 days sober, to revisit his long history of addiction beginning in early teens amid severe childhood trauma and sexual abuse, and major adult traumas including miscarriages, his wife’s HELLP syndrome and years of surgeries, raising a son with cerebral palsy and autism, divorcing after 24 years, and his father’s death from alcoholism. Kenneth describes decades of heavy alcohol and drug use, including cocaine, and reaching a suicidal low point after his partner ended their relationship, leaving him homeless and drinking every morning, even going to work intoxicated. After calling 988 and entering 90 days inpatient rehab plus nine months sober living/IOP, he embraced recovery work, therapy, meetings, and service, is preparing to sponsor, wrote a science-informed recovery handbook-style book, shares his sobriety publicly on Instagram, pursues speaking/TED goals, and plans to become an AOD counselor while focusing on presence, simplicity, and self-kindness.00:00 Marriage Breaking Point01:01 Love Without Liking01:13 Show Intro And Sponsor03:01 Kenneth Returns Update04:21 Early Addiction And Aces05:20 Abuse Masks And Survival07:14 Pregnancy Loss And Hellp09:09 Deck Tears Divorce Wait10:01 Father Alcoholic Death11:54 Trauma Intimacy Hypervigilance15:13 Perfectionism And Work Validation18:09 Functioning Alcoholic Routine20:05 Doc And Drug Use21:25 Seventh Time Rock Bottom23:05 Crisis Call And Rehab Choice24:40 Student Of Recovery Mantras26:14 Sponsorship Fear And Service28:01 Writing A Recovery Handbook31:16 Instagram Sobriety Journey33:40 Learning To Slow Down34:30 God Pause Simplicity35:39 Recovery Promises Realized36:12 Money Credit Patience38:14 New Job New Normal38:52 Counseling Full Circle40:11 Overthinking To Peace41:27 Solitude And Anxiety44:58 Neurodivergence Discovery50:31 Family Healing Fatherhood54:17 Book TED Gratitude58:41 Be Present Daily Practice01:00:34 Closing Thanks Signoff

In this episode of Rock Bottom with Ryan, Ryan and co-host Rachel Sereni interview Utah educator and alternative-school principal Steve Solon about his path into education, severe financial hardship caused by repeated paycheck cuts at a charter school, and how he eventually found purpose working with incarcerated and credit-deficient youth in a district-run alternative program. Steve explains how the school serves local credit-deficient students, adult education learners, and group-home youth, and how shifting away from traditional schooling—changing credits, classes, and competency measures—helped raise graduation rates from roughly 30–40% to 80–90%, including 46 graduates out of about 120 students. He discusses trauma’s impact on behavior and learning, building trust with students, balancing compassion with accountability alongside group-home staff, community supports to prevent justice-system involvement, and shares student success stories. He also mentions his Dad Bod Warrior podcast and supplements brand.00:00 From Hunger to Hope00:58 Podcast Intro and Sponsor02:27 Meet Steve Solon03:03 Checklist Life in Utah04:40 Teaching Dreams Meet 200806:07 Pay Cuts and Survival Mode08:24 Standing Up and Quitting12:10 Alternative School Mission13:47 Becoming Principal During COVID18:16 Reinventing Credits and Graduation19:11 New Students and Anxiety22:04 Trauma and the Healing Brain24:58 Recovery Stories and Guest Speakers29:20 Redefining Success After Graduation30:15 Defining Real Success31:33 Grades Versus Growth32:12 Leadership Load34:28 Accountability With Compassion35:50 Program Lengths Explained37:04 Autism And Patience38:44 Breaking Community Stigma40:43 Strict Upbringing And Tattoos45:00 Stories That Stick50:13 Preventing Youth Justice Entry53:26 Advice For Future Leaders57:11 Hope For Every Kid57:48 Podcast And Supplements01:00:00 Final Thanks And Wrap

Ashley Amundson: From Bartending & Alcohol Withdrawal to 10 Years Sober, COO & Therapist | Rock Bottom with RyanOn Rock Bottom with Ryan, Ashley Amundson shares growing up in San Diego in a complex military family with six siblings and a live-in nanny, feeling like she didn’t belong in school, and using alcohol as a tool for confidence that became a crutch. After entering the bar industry at 21, drinking escalated from after-work shots to on-the-job use, leading to physical dependence, repeated hospitalizations, DT hallucinations, and a doctor warning she might not live to 35 due to organ failure and alcoholic hepatitis. Ashley chose rehab, built early sobriety through structured sober living and testing, and transitioned from bartending to working in a women’s-only holistic rehab. She earned a master’s, became a therapist in 2020, completed a doctorate in behavioral health, rose to COO, and discusses trauma-informed modalities like somatic work, breathwork, Reiki, EMDR, and brain spotting.00:00 High School Awkwardness01:10 Rock Bottom Intro01:34 Sponsor Message02:58 Meet Ashley03:16 Recovery Basics04:54 Military Family Roots08:16 Nanny and Attachment10:50 Teen Identity Struggles14:37 First Drinks and Confidence18:37 Skipping School and College22:35 Bar Industry Begins25:14 Dating and Boundaries28:41 Drinking Culture Escalates31:55 Naivety and Masking35:10 Alcohol Takes Over39:02 Hallucinations and Fallout39:36 ER Withdrawal Stigma42:00 Doctor Wake Up Call47:47 Underdog Motivation49:14 Early Sobriety Blueprint52:40 From Tech to COO58:15 Holistic Trauma Modalities01:02:35 Therapist Mindset and Burnout01:08:37 Advice and Compassion01:14:00 Closing Quote and Wrap

On Rock Bottom with Ryan, guest Ashley Baker shares how childhood trauma—his mother’s two suicide attempts and his father leaving—fed rebellion and led him to start drinking at 12 while growing up in Dubai. Alcohol quickly became daily, escalating after moving to Germany where access was easier and drinking was normalized in the restaurant industry as he trained and worked as a chef. At his worst he needed two bottles of wine in the morning to stop shaking, blacked out for years, and once woke in jail after passing out on rail tracks shortly before a train. After a two-week rehab stay and a brief relapse, he returned to treatment and stayed sober, building a new life through routines, travel, spirituality, and self-directed learning. Now 17 years sober, he’s an addiction coach with a holistic approach focused on trauma, nervous system regulation, breathwork, and long-term healing.00:00 Trauma And Drinking00:53 Podcast Intro And Sponsor02:33 Meet Ashley Baker04:10 Roots Of Addiction06:38 First Drinks At 1208:48 Daily Drinking Escalation10:24 Wake Up Calls And Withdrawals13:32 Blackouts And Jail Scare15:17 Hiding It From Loved Ones17:41 Rehab Decision Point20:59 Relapse And Second Rehab26:19 Life After Treatment29:14 Chef Life Sober30:26 Cravings and Confidence31:44 Purpose Through Coaching33:12 Holistic Counselor Training35:06 Healing Beyond Detox37:04 ADHD Depression Patterns38:17 Regulation Tools Breathwork41:21 Neuroplasticity and Identity43:42 Chef Work and Youth46:19 Legacy and Lifelong Healing53:36 Getting Help and Contact59:18 Grounded Practices Farewell

From Social Anxiety to Two Bottles a Night: Meghan Haynes on Alcohol Recovery, Treatment, and Sober-Curious SupportOn Rock Bottom with Ryan, guest Meghan Haynes (sober date February 19, 2023; alcohol; raised in Washington, now in Central Oregon) shares how perfectionism, social anxiety, and not fitting in led her to love alcohol after her first drink in high school. In college at the University of Washington, loss of control contributed to severe anorexia and hospitalization; therapy helped, but later her drinking escalated through Greek-life culture, grad school isolation in Denver, and solo nightly wine—often up to two bottles—while working in mental health crisis roles. After pancreatitis, a DUI, repeated IOP failures, and probation, she entered 30-day treatment, where she found relief, began addressing codependency, self-worth, and coping, and met her future husband. Now an Oregon LCSW, she offers trauma-focused therapy (including EMDR) and sobriety coaching for sober-curious women to reduce stigma, build community, and support change without needing “rock bottom.”00:00 Small Town Roots01:09 Podcast Intro01:38 Sponsor Message02:39 Meet Meghan Haynes03:50 Gymnast Identity05:14 Social Anxiety Emerges08:20 First Drink Relief11:38 College Expectations Crash13:20 Anorexia Takes Over16:04 Therapy and Alcohol Return17:11 Greek Life Drinking Culture24:49 Grad School Isolation28:23 Living Alone Spiral30:02 Functional Drinking Rewards31:16 Solo Drinking Spiral31:41 A Day in Addiction34:04 Isolation and Family Signs35:38 Health Scare and DUI40:25 Treatment Turning Point42:28 Recovery Insights and Self Worth45:27 Love and Life After Rehab47:01 Therapist in Recovery48:37 Sober Curious Explained51:09 Women and Recovery Challenges55:04 Advice and Closing Resources

From After-Hours Chaos to 815 Days Sober: Jonny’s Recovery & Dry Culture Fitness Blueprint | Rock Bottom with RyanRyan interviews Jonny, founder of Dry Culture, about his recovery from alcohol (and cocaine in the mix) after years of escalating binge drinking that began in high school, intensified at Southern Illinois, and continued into his 30s with after-hours bars, blackouts, fights, jail, and dangerous close calls. Jonny says he struggled with moderation early, used alcohol to mask insecurity and social anxiety, and later maintained work while drinking heavily and chasing validation. A turning point came at 33 after a Thursday-to-Sunday bender when he saw older bar regulars and decided to stop, told his girlfriend and parents he needed help, and went to 30 days of rehab in California. He built structure through fitness, lost over 50 pounds, ran the LA Marathon, became a personal trainer, and created Dry Culture, a 30-day workbook centered on identity, movement, discipline, and environment, aiming to build a sober wellness community.00:00 Welcome and Guest Intro00:30 Sober Date and Basics01:24 Early Drinking Signs03:05 First Drunk Feeling05:02 High School Consequences06:35 College Party Escalation08:56 Legal Trouble and Jail09:48 Dating and Hookups10:32 Post College Benders11:25 Cocaine Enters the Mix12:20 After Hours Lifestyle13:42 Withdrawal and Denial15:35 Arizona and Identity17:15 Dangerous Close Calls22:02 How Much Was Consumed23:29 Girlfriend and Trolling25:04 Drinking Alone and Validation26:05 Holding Down a Job26:58 Choosing to Quit27:59 Bar Mirror Moment30:25 Calling Family for Help32:53 Inside 30 Day Rehab35:39 Fitness as Lifeline37:07 Building Dry Culture39:45 Program Pillars Explained43:03 Fitness and Discipline45:43 Community and Vulnerability47:57 Staying Sober in Real Life50:42 Routine Over Chaos53:18 Advice Goals and Quote

On Rock Bottom with Ryan, author and Army soldier Devin Fish from Rockford, Illinois discusses growing up in poverty and instability, moving more than 16 times, bullying and extreme shyness, and witnessing addiction in his family, including his father’s cocaine-and-alcohol-fueled breakdown and his mother’s pain medication dependence. Devin shares how self-hatred and loneliness led him into a yearlong cycle of paid dating apps, catfishing, escalating blackmail scams—including an “age scam”—financial loss, and contracting chlamydia after paying for sex, culminating in suicidal ideation and later admitting himself to the hospital in 2022. He explains his book, “Answering the Hard Questions: Let It Be the End of the Chapter, Not the End of the Book,” its memoir/toolbox/journaling structure, his return to faith while writing, and his mission to spread honesty, truth, and hope to help others survive.00:00 Early Chaos at Home00:41 Show Intro and Guest01:44 Growing Up in Rockford02:42 Unstable Childhood and Poverty04:24 Shy Kid and Bullying05:37 Dad Arrest and Apartment Scene09:48 Mom Opioids and Dysfunction11:53 Joining the Army to Escape13:43 Depression and Suicidal Thoughts16:03 Avoiding Substances and Facing Trauma18:02 Hard Truths and Blackmail19:48 Dating Sites Spiral and Scams22:17 STD Scare and Breaking Point24:13 Age Scam Explained and Second Attempt26:13 Hope for Real Connection27:23 Choosing Self Love27:44 Year of Online Scams28:27 Book Title Origins30:47 Writing and Publishing Sprint31:33 Healing Through Structure32:54 Hardest Chapters to Write34:20 Forgiveness and Family35:20 Meaning of the Subtitle36:35 Handling Setbacks Publicly37:46 Next Book and Faith39:24 Mental Health Misconceptions40:38 Message to Suicidal Viewers41:49 Mission After Publishing43:12 Dating Apps Are Predatory45:41 Breaking Silence in Recovery47:38 Support Without Enabling48:25 Avoiding Old Patterns50:46 Guilt Versus Accountability51:53 Leaving Readers With Hope54:57 Where to Find Devin56:30 Final Advice and Quotes57:23 Closing Reflections

In this insightful interview, Jay Sapovits shares his journey of overcoming gambling addiction, the importance of recovery, and how his experiences shaped his entrepreneurial success. Discover practical advice on taking action, facing ego, and building resilience from someone who has navigated the depths of addiction and emerged stronger.

Patrick, born and raised in Chicago, shares how childhood abuse and emotional neglect contributed to early marijuana use, dealing in high school, and multiple treatment stays that initially led to more connections to get high. At 18 he unknowingly tried heroin at a party, quickly progressed from snorting to injecting daily, cycled in and out of court-ordered treatment, and eventually became homeless with a $100-a-day habit, surviving through hustling and illegal activity. After a suicidal overdose attempt and a moment of clarity, he entered detox, received Suboxone, and transitioned to a suburban treatment center where he connected with a sponsor and began AA step work, including a transformative fourth and fifth step. Now sober since 5/3/18, he focuses on fatherhood, fitness, boundaries, and sharing recovery through speaking and social media.00:00 From Pills to Heroin00:59 Recovery Mindset Shift01:19 Show Intro and Sponsor03:42 Meet Patrick Sober Story05:13 Childhood Trauma in Chicago09:10 Weed and Early Warning Signs10:36 Treatment and Escalation11:43 First Heroin High13:15 Needles and Losing Control15:52 Homeless Rock Bottom19:44 Suicidal Moment and Detox22:59 Detox to Treatment Breakthrough25:00 AA Meeting Full Circle26:49 Step Work and Healing Trauma29:18 Fast Track Steps One to Three31:10 Fourth Step Deep Dive32:12 Promises and Spiritual Shift35:04 Amends and Family Fallout40:21 Boundaries Protect Sobriety42:30 Quiet Life After Chaos44:27 Social Media Recovery Reach46:31 Any Path That Saves Lives48:03 Sober Strong Partnership52:17 Advice and Closing Thanks

In this Quick Sip episode of Rock Bottom with Ryan and Rachel, they discuss how traumatic childhood experiences shaped their adult lives and addictions. Rachel reflects on the anniversary of her mother’s overdose when she was 16, the guilt of pushing her mother out of the apartment the last day she saw her, and how grief contributed to her drinking, compounded this year by the recent death of her mother-in-law. Ryan shares how frequent moves after his parents’ divorce, changing schools, unstable relationships, and childhood sexual trauma affected his ability to settle and influenced his later relationships and substance use. Both talk about neglect, abandonment issues, repeating learned behaviors, making amends with parents, and continuing recovery, while also shouting out Sober Strong Apparel’s support and mission.00:00 Childhood Innocence Lost00:32 Addiction and Family Amends01:23 Rock Bottom Intro01:53 Sponsor Message02:53 Trauma and Grief Setup03:34 Mom Overdose Anniversary04:25 Guilt and Healing06:54 Mother In Law Loss08:22 Moving and Instability11:25 Sexual Trauma Impact12:24 Neglect and Loneliness15:15 Repeating the Pattern17:05 Relationship Blueprints20:43 Abandonment and Early Attention22:25 Seeking Love Wrong Places23:52 Ratchet Rachel Origins24:38 The One Childhood Change25:10 Missing Mother Figure25:38 Shoutout Two Girls26:55 Ryan's Nana and Moving29:51 Private School and Poverty31:53 Gratitude for Support32:47 Amazing Grace and Grief34:19 Pushing Through Sober37:08 Sober Strong Community39:46 Why Sober Strong Hits43:20 Wrap Up and DM Us

In this episode of Rock Bottom with Ryan, Ryan and co-host Rachel Sereni welcome back guest Amber, who shares her sobriety dates (11 years alcohol-free and clean from all substances since July 30, 2018) and recounts early addiction shaped by childhood chaos, including a rock-bottom moment waking up near a meth lab. Amber describes getting fully clean through NA/12-step support, taking suggestions, and rebuilding life through meetings, sober living, and stable housing. The conversation focuses on recovery as lifelong work, addressing people-pleasing, inner-child healing, anxious attachment, and codependency, including her long relationship with an incarcerated partner and how therapy helped her set boundaries after emotional infidelity and control. Amber discusses learning to spot red flags faster, avoiding “chaos as chemistry,” dating with standards, and her upcoming online self-worth/boundaries program, plus a brief Sober Strong Apparel sponsor segment.

On Rock Bottom with Ryan, guest Jude Hunkar—originally from Hungary and now in the UK—shares how early drinking at boarding school became tied to belonging, escalated into drugs, and progressed into years of increasingly frequent partying and functional but hidden alcohol use, worsened during COVID, while raising two children. She describes wake-up calls, including her child writing that her mom “drinks wine,” and the inability to keep promises not to drink. Jude celebrates stopping drinking on July 11 after a long process, crediting Rapid Transformational Therapy training, an RTT session, and Allen Carr’s book, and explains coping tools, honesty about cravings, and “riding the wave.” She outlines her RTT-based program combining hypnosis, CBT, NLP, neuroscience, coaching, and aftercare to address root causes, and emphasizes relapse as learning, not failure.

In this episode of Rock Bottom with Ryan, Carolina shares her recovery story: a first-generation American Latina with a sober date of 2/18/2021 whose substance use began around ages 10–12 and escalated from alcohol and marijuana to cocaine, crack, heroin, PCP, acid, and ultimately methamphetamine. She recounts childhood physical and sexual abuse, running away, homelessness, gang-associated environments, domestic violence, arrests, trafficking drugs, and cycling in and out of prison, where she was introduced to meth and experienced psychosis. She describes profound losses, including her 15-month-old daughter Krystal’s death after Carolina blacked out and left her in a car, resulting in incarceration. Her turning point came after seeing her son’s eyes during family violence; detox, outpatient care, recovery coaching, and peer support helped her avoid a 5150 and rebuild. She founded The Happier Life Project in Riverside County to provide inclusive, harm-reduction-oriented recovery support, emphasizing meeting people where they are, family support, and multiple pathways to recovery.

In this episode of Rock Bottom with Ryan, Sadie shares her recovery story: clean since November 21, 2019, originally from Georgia and now in North Carolina, with amphetamines as her drug of choice. She describes a chaotic childhood with an addicted father, emotional disconnection at home, bullying that damaged her self-esteem, and lifelong masking through invented identities. After moving to Fayetteville, she began using cocaine at 18 and quickly spiraled into 14 years of addiction, isolation, and destructive behavior. Sadie explains how prescription Adderall became her downfall, escalating to 500–700 mg a day, triggering severe psychosis, hallucinations, and total impairment. She was taken to detox, entered treatment and transitional housing, embraced NA, rebuilt relationships with her children, and now centers her life on meetings, service work, sponsorship, and daily recovery.00:00 Trauma and bravado00:53 Show intro and sponsor02:29 Meet Sadie and sobriety03:27 Family and early childhood05:55 Dad relationship and forgiveness09:29 Bullying and self esteem12:43 Reinvention in high school18:22 First high and instant hook21:29 Spiraling and isolation27:58 Adderall takes over33:51 Psychosis and hallucinations35:07 Meth Hallucinations Begin35:42 Weeks Without Sleep36:25 Tweaking And Shadow People39:06 DIY Chaos In Suburbs40:51 Detox And Lady Gaga Delusion42:32 Treatment Phases And Sober Housing43:24 Acceptance And Fellowship47:07 Rebuilding Life And Family49:55 Daily NA Routine And Sponsoring54:43 Service Work And Purpose57:42 Goals Peace And Parenting01:02:07 Advice Quotes And Farewell

Ryan interviews Matthew, a UK-based psychotherapist and co-founder of Sober Life, about his progression from drinking and early substance use at 13–14 to alcohol dependence by 16 and eventually smoking and injecting cocaine by 24. Matthew describes childhood family dysfunction, severe withdrawals including seizures and hallucinations, arrests, hospitalizations, and daily use that included 10–12 liters of strong cider and heavy cocaine spending. He explains how entering a 12-step treatment center and committing to meetings and human connection supported his long detox and early recovery, leading to 12 years sober since January 19, 2014. They discuss shame-free, client-centered approaches, neuroscience and dopamine-driven cravings, practical relapse-prevention strategies, rebuilding identity, progress over perfection, and bringing recovery tools into corporate settings where substance use is common.

Ryan and Rachel discuss how chaos can persist in sobriety through overbooking, restlessness, and chasing dopamine, and how peace and stability can feel uncomfortable after years of addiction-driven turmoil. They reflect on self-induced chaos during drinking, the difficulty of sitting still, and how boredom and isolation can trigger overthinking and worst-case scenarios. Ryan shares frustration after injuring his back while trying to stay busy, and Rachel talks about finding a meaningful friendship and starting a new YouTube project, “Two Girls in a Chair,” as well as using quiet moments with her pets to calm her mind. Rachel also describes a recent emotional trigger involving her dad’s health and how she grounded herself by recognizing her stable life today. They advise listeners to ride out discomfort, practice calm, and trust that chaos will pass.00:00 Friendship Beyond Memes00:37 Injury Forces Stillness01:17 Show Intro and Sponsor02:54 Chaos After Getting Sober04:04 Self Induced Busy Mode06:31 Back Injury and New Plans08:06 Two Girls in a Chair10:15 Finding Real Friendships13:17 Pets and Learning to Chill15:51 Peace Feels Uncomfortable16:46 Overthinking and Meetings18:25 Gym Frustrations and Limits19:42 Isolation Spiral21:04 Healthy Alone Time21:48 Boredom In Sobriety24:54 ADHD And Restlessness26:17 Learning Stability27:16 Dad Stress And Grounding31:25 Excuses And Showing Up33:36 Ride It Out Advice35:55 Closing Encouragement

On Rock Bottom with Ryan, Ryan and co-host Rachel Sereni interview Denny LaVé, a Montana-born Idaho entrepreneur and political candidate, about a childhood marked by family breakup, instability, poverty tied to parental substance abuse, and early exposure to pornography that shaped shame and trauma responses. Denny describes being kicked out after high school, couch surfing, and navigating college with little support, as well as later crises including a near-suicidal episode during business and marriage turmoil. He explains how building professional and spiritual support—therapy modalities like EMDR/IFS, pastoral counseling, church, exercise, and reflection—helped him begin healing and regain emotional awareness. Denny shares experiences in the Marine Corps, time in a French monastery, near-death events in construction, why he wrote a memoir to be transparent as he runs for office, and a message of identity rooted in being loved by God.

In this episode of Rock Bottom with Ryan, Ryan interviews Sonia, a licensed psychotherapist and first-generation Mexican American from Pomona, California, about her recovery journey. Sonia shares growing up with an alcoholic father, trauma at home, and later an abusive relationship that fueled heavier drinking and drug use, including cocaine and crystal meth. She describes a serious car accident while drinking, quitting drugs when she became pregnant in 2003, and escalating alcoholism during grad school, including drinking 12–16 beers, drinking alone, hiding bottles, and experiencing severe depression and suicidal ideation. After outpatient treatment, she found Alcoholics Anonymous, got a sponsor, worked the steps, and has been sober since 12/27/2012. Sonia discusses healing through faith, AA, and brainspotting, opening her own practice, launching the podcasts “Con Amor, Your Therapist Friend” and “Soul to Soul,” and encouraging listeners to address trauma and seek professional help.

On this episode of Rock Bottom with Ryan, Jordan from the Los Angeles area shares his sobriety date (July 27, 2025) and describes years of alcohol-fueled partying that often led to cocaine and other drugs. He recounts a childhood shaped by a loving, overprotective mother, an absent father who exposed him to heavy partying early, and how quitting sports in high school accelerated drug use, stealing alcohol, selling drugs, and seeking validation by supplying party favors. Jordan details toxic relationships, arrests, drinking on the job, and a suicide-attention attempt with painkillers. After extreme travel partying left him more depressed, a sober bartender brought him into AA, leading to 15 months sober before complacency triggered relapse and costly benders. Now nine months sober, he’s rebuilding trust with his 13-year-old son, staying active in meetings and church, and emphasizing commitment, humility, amends, self-forgiveness, and “replaying the tape.”

In this episode of Rock Bottom with Ryan, Ryan interviews his cousin Tom Donahoe, who shares his sobriety date (July 1, 2024), his progression from alcohol and cocaine to meth, and how family dysfunction, depression, and severe bullying and abuse from his sister shaped his self-image and fueled addiction. Tom recounts early blackouts, school failure, a Navy discharge after a cocaine drug test, a modeling career that coincided with relapses, and repeated attempts at sobriety. He describes timeshare work in Maui, relapsing into meth on his wedding day, hiding use from his wife, losing jobs, homelessness, stealing, and multiple arrests and jail time in Virginia Beach, where police nicknamed him “Spider-Man” for fleeing. He credits journaling, gratitude, meditation, meetings, rehab, and a spiritual awakening with rebuilding his life, reconnecting with his wife and daughter, and staying sober.00:00 Self Criticism Spiral01:10 Show Intro And Guest Setup02:32 Addiction Origins And Family04:23 Peer Pressure First Drink07:08 Blackouts And Early Escalation10:09 Sister Trauma And Shame14:34 School Collapse And Crank19:51 Navy Discharge Sparks Modeling24:30 LA Success Relapse Cycle27:49 Golds Gym Pills And Theft33:03 Hawaii Rehab And Timeshare35:46 Meth On Wedding Day40:16 Marriage Falls Apart40:44 Real Estate Relapse41:25 Strip Club Blackout43:18 Homeless and Meth Spiral44:57 Virginia Beach Crime Cycle47:12 Spider Man on the Run48:07 Rock Bottom and Rehab50:11 Daughter Reunion and Arrest55:29 Courtroom Miracle57:42 Dry Drunk to Spiritual Shift01:04:21 Easter Call and Forgiveness01:09:12 Self Love and Marriage Return01:14:44 Advice for Staying Sober01:18:54 Closing Quote and Goodbye

In this powerful interview, a survivor shares her journey through childhood neglect, addiction, trafficking, and her path to recovery. Her story highlights the realities of trafficking and addiction, emphasizing resilience and hope.

Wendy Grijalva shares her powerful journey through childhood trauma, addiction, recovery, and finding purpose. This episode offers insights into the complexities of addiction, the importance of a holistic recovery approach, and hope for those struggling.

Ryan and Rachel discuss grief and loss in addiction and sobriety, prompted by Rachel learning via social media that a former friend from her bar days has died. Rachel, 34, shares that she has lost 10–11 friends to overdoses or accidents and describes attending an upcoming candle lighting while navigating anxiety about seeing people who distanced themselves when she got sober. Ryan compares grieving in active addiction versus sober, recounting friends he lost, including Mark’s suicide and Jeff’s fatal fall, and regrets drinking through his sister’s fentanyl-overdose memorial. They emphasize being present, processing emotions without using, and how these losses motivate recovery “out loud.” The episode also touches on people-pleasing in recovery, the need for boundaries and self-preservation, and doing the work outside meetings to address underlying issues.

In this heartfelt interview, Sober Barbie Krista shares her journey from childhood in Hilton Head Island to her struggles with alcohol and drugs, her arrest and recovery, and her inspiring efforts to help others through social media, community activism, and opening sober living homes. Discover her insights on addiction, recovery, and the power of sharing your story to inspire change.

In this in-depth interview, Christopher shares his personal journey through addiction, his experiences with alcohol and drugs from a young age, and how he transformed his life to help others. Discover insights on the spectrum of addiction, the importance of support systems, and practical advice for those struggling or curious about recovery.

Kim shares her inspiring journey of sobriety, driven by her son's epilepsy diagnosis, and how she turned her experience into a movement with 'Sober is the New Cool.' Discover insights on overcoming addiction, the power of community, and how to support others in recovery.

Marley's inspiring journey from a tumultuous childhood and addiction to sobriety and healing. She shares her experiences with childhood trauma, manipulation, abuse, and her path to recovery, highlighting the importance of community, therapy, and resilience.

In this in-depth interview, Ali Clark shares her powerful journey of overcoming addiction, trauma, and narcissistic abuse. Discover her insights on the importance of trauma-informed recovery, building a supportive dream team, and the transformative power of sobriety and trauma work.

In this candid episode, Ryan and Rachel explore themes of sobriety, mental health, isolation, and personal growth. They share personal stories about grief, recovery, and the importance of community, offering insights and practical advice for navigating life's challenges sober.

In this heartfelt interview, Katie shares her journey from early drinking habits to sobriety, highlighting the social and emotional factors that influenced her relationship with alcohol. She discusses practical strategies for overcoming alcohol dependence, the importance of community support, and her ongoing commitment to health and wellness.

Heidi shares her inspiring journey from active addiction to sobriety, highlighting the challenges, relapses, and the importance of community support in recovery. Her story offers valuable insights for anyone on or considering their recovery path.

In this heartfelt interview, Amanda Crossley (once an addict who was hosted on Dr. Phil, Soft White Underbelly, and Hope-A-Holics) shares her inspiring journey from a life of addiction to sobriety, highlighting the importance of community, self-awareness, and resilience. Discover her insights on overcoming family enablers, the power of connection, and practical advice for those on their sobriety path.

This episode features an in-depth conversation with Michael, who shares his journey from childhood trauma, mental health struggles, and substance abuse to recovery. Discover how cultural influences, family dynamics, and personal resilience shaped his path to sobriety and self-awareness. This episode features Multifaceted Monster sharing his journey through addiction, recovery, and mental health advocacy. He discusses the importance of critical thinking in recovery, the role of music as a healing outlet, and the need for diverse paths to sobriety.

In this inspiring interview, Will McLaughlin shares his journey from early childhood, through struggles with alcohol and drugs, to achieving five years of sobriety. Discover insights on mental health, the importance of support systems, and how lifestyle changes like exercise and therapy have transformed his life.

In this powerful episode, Ryan and Rachel sit down with Britt to talk about a journey marked by pain, resilience, and transformation. Britt opens up about her struggles with self-harm, how it evolved into addiction to drugs and alcohol, and the toll it took on her relationships with family and herself. With honesty and courage, she shares what it was like to feel trapped in that cycle—and what it took to finally break free. Now living a life of sobriety, Britt reflects on the healing process, the work it takes to stay grounded, and the challenges she’s faced along the way. Most importantly, she speaks about the role motherhood has played in her recovery and how it’s given her a renewed sense of purpose and strength. This episode is a testament to the possibility of change, the power of vulnerability, and the hope that even the darkest chapters can lead to something meaningful. Britt’s story is one of redemption, growth, and using your past to help light the way for others.

In this episode of Rock Bottom with Ryan, Chris Hobden shares his powerful journey through addiction, loss, and recovery. Growing up in a family plagued by addiction, Chris faced numerous challenges, including the loss of his father and struggles with mental health. He discusses his experiences in high school, the turning point in his life when he confronted his food addiction, and the transformative journey towards health and fitness. Chris emphasizes the importance of building a support system, discipline, and accountability in recovery, and he offers valuable advice for others facing similar struggles.

In this episode of Rock Bottom with Ryan, host Ryan and co-host Rachel interview Erica Calhoun, a women's alcohol freedom coach. Erica shares her journey through addiction, including her early struggles with substance use, the impact of abusive relationships, and her decision to get sober. She discusses the challenges of early sobriety, the importance of therapy, and the role of community support. Erica also talks about her transition into sobriety coaching, offering advice for those who are sober curious or struggling with addiction. The conversation highlights personal growth, resilience, and the transformative power of recovery.