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 conversation, Emily Killeen shares her harrowing experience with alcohol and substance abuse, detailing the insanity of drinking while on Antabuse, the escalation from ecstasy to alcohol, and the dire consequences that led her to seek help. Her story highlights the struggles of addiction and the importance of recognizing when to ask for support.Emily Killeen is a spiritual yoga teacher, wellness forward sobriety coach and hosts epic alcohol-free retreats and events.
Sedona Summit- EPIC 3 Day Experience March 13, 14, 15https://www.happysoberfree.com/#/
Find Emily on Instagram: @happy.sober.free
Join her FREE Sober Sisters Meeting on Zoom, every Wednesday Night!
In this episode of Rock Bottom with Ryan, Brenton shares his inspiring journey from addiction to recovery, highlighting the importance of community, aftercare, and personal growth. He discusses his unique fundraising initiative, the Bear Crawl Challenge, and how fitness plays a crucial role in his recovery. Brenton emphasizes the significance of finding a supportive community and challenges listeners to push themselves beyond their limits. The conversation also touches on the role of faith in recovery and offers valuable advice for those new to sobriety.
In this episode of Rock Bottom with Ryan, Khrystofer shares his journey from a loving but complicated upbringing to the challenges of high school, where he faced bullying and identity struggles. He discusses the impact of his father's addiction, his own battles with weight and self-image, and the role of alcohol in his social life. A turning point in 2020 led him to focus on fitness and ultimately undergo weight loss surgery, which transformed his life. However, this journey also strained his marriage, leading to reflections on addiction, recovery, and personal growth. In this conversation, Khrystofer shares his journey of personal growth, navigating relationships, and the impact of weight loss on his dating life. He discusses his struggles with alcohol, the challenges of self-control, and the journey to sobriety. Khrystofer emphasizes the importance of personal choice in overcoming addiction and offers advice for those considering sobriety. His story highlights the complexities of relationships, self-discovery, and the balance between social life and sobriety.
In this episode of Rock Bottom with Ryan, Ashley Crown shares his transformative journey from a high-functioning addict in Miami to a successful CEO in Albania. He discusses the temptations of his past, the importance of making life choices that lead to happiness, and the impact of addiction on health and appearance. Ashley also delves into the science behind hair loss, the motivations for plastic surgery, and the cultural insights he has gained from living in Albania. His story emphasizes the importance of recovery, self-acceptance, and making informed decisions about personal transformation.
In this episode of Rock Bottom with Ryan, Amy Walker shares her journey from addiction to recovery. She discusses her early experiences with alcohol, the impact of her relationships, and the health crisis that forced her to confront her addiction. Amy emphasizes the importance of support systems, coping mechanisms, and the need to grieve the old self while embracing the new. Her story is one of resilience, personal growth, and the power of helping others in recovery.
In this episode of Rock Bottom, Ryan and Rachel talk to Bernardo. Bernardo Hernandez shares his journey through childhood confusion, abandonment, and the struggles of growing up in a challenging environment. He discusses the impact of family dynamics, early substance use, and the emotional turmoil that led to a cycle of addiction. Bernardo reflects on his experiences with mental health, legal troubles, and the search for love and acceptance, ultimately leading to a turning point in his life as he seeks recovery and personal growth. In this conversation, Bernardo Hernandez shares his journey through addiction, the struggles of maintaining sobriety, and the impact of his choices on his relationships and family. He reflects on the cycle of addiction, the moments that led him to rock bottom, and the steps he took towards recovery. The discussion highlights the importance of support, accountability, and the ongoing journey of personal growth and transformation.
In this episode of Rock Bottom with Ryan, hosts Ryan and Rachel delve into the theme of patience in sobriety. They share personal experiences of their early days in recovery, the challenges of building new relationships, and the importance of self-care and discipline. The conversation highlights the significance of patience in achieving personal goals, managing emotions, and navigating the complexities of life after addiction. They also discuss the role of community support and the transformative power of podcasting as a therapeutic outlet.
In this conversation, Ryan and Jimmy Thistle explore the journey of recovery from addiction, discussing childhood influences, the onset of drinking, and the impact of relationships on their sobriety. They reflect on the challenges faced during their drinking years, including toxic relationships and personal tragedies, ultimately leading to a deeper understanding of their struggles and the importance of recovery. In this conversation, Jimmy Thistle shares his profound journey through addiction, guilt, and recovery. He reflects on the tragic loss of a friend, the escalation of his drinking habits, and the impact of relationships on his sobriety. The discussion delves into the cycle of relapse, the importance of connection in recovery, and the inspiration behind starting a podcast to help others. Jimmy emphasizes the significance of community support and the lessons learned from his struggles, ultimately highlighting the resilience required to overcome addiction.
In this episode of Rock Bottom with Ryan, Rachel and Ryan talk to Art. Art Arguello shares his journey from social drinking in high school to becoming an alcoholic, detailing the isolation and darkness he faced during his addiction. He discusses the pivotal moments that led to his sobriety, including childhood trauma and the role of community and support groups like AA. Art emphasizes the importance of patience in recovery and the transformative power of sobriety, highlighting the clarity and joy it has brought to his life. He also touches on spirituality and intuition as guiding forces in his journey, ultimately encouraging others to embrace their own paths to recovery.
In this episode of Rock Bottom with Ryan, Mike shares his journey from addiction to recovery, discussing his childhood in a family affected by substance abuse, his struggles with various addictions, and the turning point that led him to seek help. He emphasizes the importance of community support, the challenges of social anxiety, and the development of a recovery app aimed at providing resources for those in need. Mike reflects on his relationship with his late mother and how her memory inspires his work in recovery. The conversation highlights the significance of reaching out for help and the transformative power of sobriety.
In this episode, Ryan and Rachel chat with Linsey. Linsey shares her journey from a seemingly perfect life to the depths of addiction and her path to recovery. She discusses the impact of alcohol on her mental health, the importance of community support, and the lessons learned from her rock bottom moments. The conversation highlights the significance of building healthy relationships, especially with her children, and establishing a solid foundation for sobriety. Linsey emphasizes the need to overcome victim mentality and the joy of rediscovering life in sobriety.
In this episode of Rock Bottom with Ryan, hosts Ryan and Rachel delve into the complexities of victim mentality in recovery. They explore how this mindset can hinder personal growth and accountability, emphasizing the importance of self-love and reflection. The conversation highlights the impact of relationships on sobriety, the challenges faced in navigating life without alcohol, and the transformative power of embracing change. Through personal anecdotes and shared experiences, they inspire listeners to confront their fears, celebrate their achievements, and find joy in their sobriety journey.
In this conversation, Taylor and Cayla, co-founders of The Dry Oak, share their journey from addiction to creating a thriving non-alcoholic beverage store. They discuss the importance of community support, the challenges of sobriety, and their vision for a more inclusive space for those seeking alternatives to alcohol. The couple emphasizes the significance of personal stories in recovery and the impact of functional beverages like Kava and adaptogens. They also touch on family dynamics, parenting through recovery, and the power of vulnerability in seeking help.
In this conversation, Joseph Pennell shares his journey from a troubled childhood marked by trauma and family struggles to becoming a cyber intelligence analyst. He discusses how he used alcohol as a coping mechanism, particularly influenced by the drinking culture in the military. Joseph reflects on the moment he recognized his drinking problem, the path to recovery through rehab, and the importance of addressing childhood trauma. He emphasizes the need for purpose in recovery and offers advice for those struggling with addiction, highlighting the significance of taking small steps and forgiving oneself and others.
In part 2 of this episode of Rock Bottom with Ryan, Amber shares her powerful journey of survival, resilience, and transformation. Exposed to alcohol at a very young age and enduring repeated experiences of trauma, Amber struggled for years with addiction to alcohol and other substances. After countless rock bottoms, she finally reached a moment of clarity and chose a new path. Now, with over seven years of sobriety, Amber has dedicated her life to helping others heal—working with people living with CPTSD and guiding others as a self-confidence and self-love coach. Her story is one of pain turned into purpose, and proof that recovery can lead not just to survival, but to thriving.
In this heartfelt episode, Ryan reflects on his journey to sobriety as he approaches one year of being sober. He shares the struggles and triumphs he faced, including the importance of support systems, setting boundaries, and the power of vulnerability. Ryan discusses the life-altering experiences that led him to commit to recovery and the positive changes in his relationships with family and friends. He emphasizes the significance of sharing stories and creating a platform for others in recovery, ultimately expressing gratitude for the progress he has made and the lessons learned along the way.
In this heartfelt conversation, Ryan and Rachel celebrate their milestones in sobriety, reflecting on their journeys, the challenges they've faced, and the growth they've experienced. They discuss the importance of support systems, building healthy relationships, and establishing routines that promote well-being. The conversation emphasizes the power of community in recovery and the transformative nature of sobriety, highlighting the joy and fulfillment that comes from living an honest and sober life.
Hosts: Ryan and Rachel
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In this episode, Adriana shares her powerful journey of recovery from alcoholism, detailing her early experiences with alcohol, the escalation of her drinking, and the pivotal moments that led her to seek help. She discusses the challenges of maintaining sobriety, the impact of relationships on her addiction, and the importance of community and support in her recovery. Adriana reflects on her rock bottom moment, her daily life in sobriety, and her commitment to helping others on their paths to recovery. Through her story, she emphasizes the significance of honesty, connection, and resilience in overcoming addiction.
In this episode of Rock Bottom with Ryan, Amber shares her powerful journey of survival, resilience, and transformation. Exposed to alcohol at a very young age and enduring repeated experiences of trauma, Amber struggled for years with addiction to alcohol and other substances. After countless rock bottoms, she finally reached a moment of clarity and chose a new path. Now, with over seven years of sobriety, Amber has dedicated her life to helping others heal—working with people living with CPTSD and guiding others as a self-confidence and self-love coach. Her story is one of pain turned into purpose, and proof that recovery can lead not just to survival, but to thriving.
Ryan and Rachel discuss topics regarding maintaining sobriety within the midst of traumatic real life situations, how to manage yourself in social situations, and the alter-egos we used to have when we were drinking. It's sad, fun, and a deep discussion that many former alcoholics can resonate with!