This week, we sit down with Carlos Boettcher, a seasoned war journalist whose life story reads like a history of modern conflict. Born during apartheid in South Africa and raised in a household of journalists, Carlos experienced instability and global upheaval from a young age. He recounts his early exposure to chaos, from the Rammstein air show disaster to watching his father report from war zones on television. Inspired by his father and driven by a search for purpose after 9/11, Carlos left college to cover the war in Iraq, launching a career that would take him to multiple frontlines, including the fall of ISIS, Ebola outbreaks, and the COVID crisis.

Carlos opens up about the emotional toll of frontline reporting, describing how the adrenaline of war masked deeper mental health struggles. As he reflects on his post-war years, Carlos discusses how the culture of journalism, particularly in high-stress newsrooms, normalized drinking and gallows humor as coping mechanisms.

He shares how these behaviors escalated into addiction, leading him down a path of self-destruction. While his external persona was that of a successful and jovial journalist, Carlos admits that internally, he was struggling deeply. He eventually recognized his PTSD and alcoholism, and after multiple rehab stints, began a difficult but transformative recovery journey. Carlos credits his support system, especially his mother and close friends (including Elara!), with helping him survive and begin healing.

Through meditation, sleep, and self-awareness, Carlos developed a philosophy he calls “the elegant path”—a more intentional, holistic approach to life. He talks about breaking cycles of consumption, confronting emotional pain, and using his physical fitness as a meditative practice. Today, Carlos is in a much healthier place, committed to maintaining balance and supporting others who may be navigating their own struggles.

We close with powerful reflections on personal responsibility, healing, and the enduring impact of support systems. Carlos reminds us that while rock bottom looks different for everyone, the turning point always comes when we choose to stop digging and start changing.

Roald Dahl's The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar and Six More: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Wonderful_Story_of_Henry_Sugar_and_Six_More 

Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation: https://www.hazeldenbettyford.org/

Lust for Life, by Lana Del Rey: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eP4eqhWc7sI

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