A few years ago, I hit rock bottom—drinking to escape and struggling with my mental health. A final cry for help led me to a new way of life. Now, 12 years sober at 34, I host an award-winning podcast sharing powerful conversations with incredible people. We dive into the sober tools that heal and connect us—nature, hiking, sea swimming, and the outdoors. Real talk, real journeys.
Connect: https://bit.ly/3w66W3Q
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A few years ago, I hit rock bottom—drinking to escape and struggling with my mental health. A final cry for help led me to a new way of life. Now, 12 years sober at 34, I host an award-winning podcast sharing powerful conversations with incredible people. We dive into the sober tools that heal and connect us—nature, hiking, sea swimming, and the outdoors. Real talk, real journeys.
Connect: https://bit.ly/3w66W3Q
Today I'm grateful to be joined by my very good friend Darren Scanlon, a man who turned his life around and is now living proof of the power of determination and community. Darren opens up about how he faced the harsh reality that if he didn’t change his health, drinking habits, and lifestyle, he wouldn’t live long enough to see his kids grow up. That realization sparked his journey to transformation.
He found inspiration through Andy Ramage’s One Year No Beer and joined several hiking groups, where he built strong connections and found his tribe. These communities were key in helping him stay sober and rebuild his life.
Today, Darren is eight years sober and thriving. He even ran the Dublin Marathon in 2024, proving that with the right mindset and support, anything is possible. This episode is about resilience, mental health, personal growth, and the importance of surrounding yourself with people who lift you up.
You can follow Darren and his inspiring journey on Instagram at @the_sober_hiker. Be sure to check out his page for more on his hikes, sobriety journey, and the amazing work he’s doing with the Celbridge Boys Club.
Sober Mess Podcast
A few years ago, I hit rock bottom—drinking to escape and struggling with my mental health. A final cry for help led me to a new way of life. Now, 12 years sober at 34, I host an award-winning podcast sharing powerful conversations with incredible people. We dive into the sober tools that heal and connect us—nature, hiking, sea swimming, and the outdoors. Real talk, real journeys.
Connect: https://bit.ly/3w66W3Q