After 18 years of drinking, countless blackouts, arrests, and hospital stays, I finally hit my bottom—and started to climb. This podcast is about what it really looks like to get sober. No sugarcoating. No step-by-step manual. Just honest conversations about addiction, recovery, relapse, and everything in between. If you’ve struggled, if someone you love is struggling, or if you just want to understand the chaos behind the bottle—this is for you. Let’s talk about what happens after rock bottom.
After 18 years of drinking, countless blackouts, arrests, and hospital stays, I finally hit my bottom—and started to climb. This podcast is about what it really looks like to get sober. No sugarcoating. No step-by-step manual. Just honest conversations about addiction, recovery, relapse, and everything in between. If you’ve struggled, if someone you love is struggling, or if you just want to understand the chaos behind the bottle—this is for you. Let’s talk about what happens after rock bottom.
In this episode of Rock Bottom with Ryan, hosts Ryan and Rachel discuss their experiences of celebrating the holidays sober. They reflect on the challenges and joys of being present during this festive season, especially in light of personal losses and the importance of mindfulness. The conversation touches on navigating holiday stress, the significance of remembrance for loved ones lost, and finding joy and purpose in sobriety. They share practical tips for managing anxiety and stress during holiday gatherings, emphasizing the importance of self-care and support from loved ones.
In this episode, Austin Henson shares his journey of sobriety, detailing his struggles with alcohol from a young age and the impact it had on his life and relationships. He discusses the importance of community in recovery, the challenges of defining alcoholism, and offers advice for those new to sobriety. Austin emphasizes the need for open conversations about addiction and the value of attending support meetings.
In this episode of Rock Bottom with Ryan, Amanda shares her profound journey through addiction, trauma, and recovery. From her struggles with alcohol and the impact of personal loss to her path towards sobriety and self-acceptance, Amanda's story is one of resilience and transformation. She discusses the importance of surrounding oneself with positive influences, the challenges of navigating relationships, and the ongoing journey of healing and personal growth. Amanda's candid reflections offer valuable insights for anyone facing similar struggles, emphasizing the power of community, self-reflection, and the pursuit of a healthier lifestyle.
In this episode of Rock Bottom with Ryan, Elyssa shares her inspiring journey to sobriety, detailing her struggles with alcohol and the impact it had on her life and relationships. She discusses the importance of fitness in her recovery, how her relationship with her husband has evolved, and the challenges of navigating triggers in a city like Las Vegas. Elyssa emphasizes the value of routine and self-reflection in maintaining sobriety, offering advice to those who are sober curious or new to recovery. The conversation highlights the transformative power of sobriety and the positive changes it can bring to one's life.
In this episode, Jozey shares his journey to sobriety, reflecting on his past struggles with addiction, the impact of childhood experiences, and the consequences of alcohol on his life. He discusses his time in the military, the life-changing accident that led to a prison sentence, and his path to recovery through rehabilitation. Jozey also opens up about navigating toxic relationships, the importance of understanding trauma, and the challenges of dating after experiencing abuse. Throughout the conversation, he emphasizes the significance of setting boundaries and the ongoing nature of recovery. In this conversation, Jozey shares his harrowing experiences with substance abuse and the impact it had on his relationships, particularly with his ex-partner. He discusses the fear and paranoia that stemmed from living in an abusive environment, the realization of needing to change, and the journey to sobriety. Jozey emphasizes the importance of self-discovery, coping mechanisms, and the support of community in recovery. He also highlights the significance of personal growth and the challenges faced along the way, including navigating feelings of guilt and the complexities of relationships post-recovery.
In this episode of Rock Bottom with Ryan, host Ryan engages in a heartfelt conversation with Mark Cole, a 19-year-old model from the UK. Mark shares his experiences with bullying during childhood, the impact it had on his mental health, and his journey towards building confidence in the modeling industry. He discusses the importance of mental health advocacy, his struggles with suicidal thoughts during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the coping mechanisms he employs to maintain his well-being. Mark emphasizes the significance of support systems and encourages open conversations about mental health, particularly among men. He aspires to be a role model for others facing similar challenges and aims to inspire change through his story.
In this episode of Rock Bottom with Ryan, Amanda shares her journey through addiction, recovery, and personal growth. From her challenging childhood and early influences to her experiences with substance use, Amanda opens up about her rock bottom moment that led her to seek help. She discusses the importance of treatment, healing from trauma, and the lessons learned during her six months of sobriety. Amanda emphasizes the need for self-love, the significance of community support, and her aspirations for the future as she embraces a sober lifestyle.
In this episode, Ryan and Rachel discuss the long-term consequences of addiction and recovery, exploring themes such as financial repercussions, relationship dynamics, trust issues, and personal growth. They share personal stories and insights on how past actions continue to affect their lives in sobriety, emphasizing the importance of setting boundaries and the ongoing journey of self-forgiveness and transformation.
In this episode of Rock Bottom with Ryan, Julian, known as the Hope Dealer, shares his powerful journey through addiction, recovery, and personal transformation. He discusses his early life, the struggles with substance abuse, the consequences of his actions, and the pivotal moments that led him to seek help. Julian emphasizes the importance of support systems, the challenges of maintaining sobriety, and the profound impact of love and commitment in his life. His story is one of resilience, hope, and the ongoing journey of recovery.
In this episode of Rock Bottom with Ryan, Chris Najera shares his personal journey of addiction and recovery, detailing his early experiences with alcohol, the health crises that led him to seek help, and the research that inspired his book, 'The Hard Truth.' He discusses the hidden dangers of alcohol, the importance of education and awareness, and offers advice for those who are sober curious or struggling with addiction. Chris emphasizes the need for a paradigm shift in how society views alcohol and the importance of understanding its impact on health and well-being.
In this conversation, Kevin Clark (Owner of Inclyne fitness wear) shares his personal journey involving drug possession and the legal consequences that followed. He recounts a pivotal moment in his life when he was caught with a significant amount of drugs and cash, leading to charges of possession with intent to distribute. Kevin reflects on the choices he made, the impact of those choices on his life, and the lessons learned from his experiences.
In this episode of Rock Bottom with Ryan and Rachel, the hosts delve into the various triggers that individuals face in sobriety. They discuss personal experiences with anger, loneliness, and the impact of childhood on their emotional responses. The conversation highlights the importance of seeking connection, managing negative energy, and the role of boredom in recovery. They also touch on coping mechanisms, the fear of relapse, and the tools they use to maintain their sobriety. Through rapid-fire questions, they explore self-discovery and the emotional triggers that can lead to relapse, emphasizing the need for vigilance in recovery.
Welcome to Rachel's Recovery Room! In this conversation, Heather Richard shares her transformative journey of sobriety, highlighting how it led her to discover her passions and set meaningful goals for her future. She reflects on her past struggles and the awakening that came with sobriety, ultimately pursuing a career in therapy and education.
In this episode of Rock Bottom with Ryan, Mike Murphy shares his journey through addiction, recovery, and the importance of community support. He discusses his early experiences with alcohol, the denial of his drinking problem, and the pivotal moment that led him to seek help. Mike emphasizes the significance of addressing mental health issues, particularly PTSD, and how his experiences in rehab shaped his recovery. He offers valuable advice for veterans and those in recovery, highlighting the importance of taking suggestions and finding a supportive community.
In this conversation, Kevin Lanning, host of Rise Above with Kevin Lanning, discusses the complexities of addiction, emphasizing that it is a disease rooted in internal struggles such as insecurity, fears, and anxieties. He stresses the importance of addressing these root causes through self-work to achieve true recovery, rather than merely abstaining from substances. Lanning warns that without this internal work, individuals may either relapse or remain abstinent but unhappy.
In this episode of Rock Bottom with Ryan, the hosts Ryan and Rachel discuss the importance of gratitude in their recovery journeys. They reflect on their personal experiences with sobriety, the meaningful relationships they've built, and how they navigate holidays without alcohol. The conversation emphasizes the significance of support and community in sobriety, encouraging listeners to reach out during tough times. They also express their appreciation for their sponsor, Sober Strong Apparel, and the positive impact it has on recovery.
In this conversation, Anthony Degasperis discusses the impact of keeping secrets during recovery from addiction. He emphasizes the importance of honesty and transparency in the recovery process, sharing his personal experience with testosterone replacement therapy and the challenges of maintaining sobriety. He highlights the cunning nature of addiction and the unexpected ways it can manifest, urging others in recovery to confront their truths.
In this conversation, Ryan and Rachel have Joseph back on the show! Joseph Pennell discusses the importance of embracing humor as a tool for personal growth.He shares his journey of learning to laugh at himself and how this has helped him overcome feelings of shame. The dialogue explores the connection between humor and emotional resilience, particularly in the context of dealing with grief and personal challenges. Ryan and Rachel also go into their dark sides in sobriety. Tune in!
In this conversation, Kaitlin Gill shares her profound journey of self-discovery and recovery from addiction, triggered by a poignant moment with her daughter. The discussion delves into the impact of addiction on family dynamics, the realization of personal shortcomings, and the steps taken towards recovery and personal growth.
Rachel and Ryan talk with Melissa. The conversation explores a personal health transformation journey, highlighting the Melissa's commitment to significant lifestyle changes over 11 weeks. she discusses the impact of diet, exercise, and coaching on our health, resulting in improved medical markers and a renewed sense of vitality. It's a very incredible conversation about recovery!