Finding New Waters

In this powerful episode of Finding New Waters, hosts B. Reeves and Justin McClendon sit down with Jeff Georgi, one of the most respected voices in addiction treatment and co-author of Beyond Shame: Healing the Pain Beneath the Surface of Addiction.With over 40 years of clinical experience, including serving as the former Clinical Director of the Duke Addictions Program, Jeff shares his deep understanding of the emotional and spiritual roots of addiction — particularly the role shame plays in keeping people trapped. He opens up about his own journey into recovery, the programs he and his wife Becky have built to help families heal, and how their approach to modified interpersonal group psychotherapy helps patients find hope beyond their pain.Jeff discusses the origins of Bluefield, a program he and Becky developed for college students returning to school after treatment, and the incredible success stories that came from it. He also reflects on the closure of Duke’s addiction program, what it says about the stigma that still surrounds substance use, and why true recovery must address the biological, psychological, social, and spiritual dimensions of addiction.This is a deeply thoughtful, emotional, and inspiring conversation about healing, purpose, and rediscovering the power of hope.⸻Timestamps00:00 – Welcome and introduction01:00 – The origins of Bluefield and helping college students in recovery05:00 – Stories of hope: Bluefield’s first student success07:00 – What inspired the book Beyond Shame09:00 – Training clinicians across South Carolina12:00 – Jeff’s 40-year career in addiction medicine13:00 – Getting started in recovery work after personal sobriety15:00 – Founding the Duke Addictions Program17:00 – How stigma still shapes addiction treatment today20:00 – The myth of “choice” in addiction22:00 – Understanding the biology of addiction24:00 – How trauma and shame fuel substance use30:00 – Breaking the cycle: how families get caught in shame too33:00 – Jeff and Becky’s therapeutic approach to healing families36:00 – Why hope is stronger than shame39:00 – The spiritual side of recovery40:00 – How to contact Jeff and Becky GeorgiGuest BioJeff Georgi, M.Div., MAH, LCMHC, LCAS, CCS, CGPAuthor, Clinician, and EducatorWith more than 40 years in the field of addiction and mental health, Jeff Georgi has helped thousands of individuals and families find healing. He is the former Clinical Director of the Duke Addictions Program and has served in multiple departments at Duke University Medical Center, including Surgery, Obstetrics, and Psychiatry.Alongside his wife Becky, Jeff runs Georgi Educational and Counseling Services, where they offer therapy, training, and consultation to clinicians and families. His latest book, Beyond Shame, provides a framework for understanding addiction as a biopsychosocial-spiritual disease and helps clinicians and families address the pain beneath addictive behavior.Website: www.georgieducationalandcounseling.comBook: Beyond Shame: Healing the Pain Beneath the Surface of AddictionResources Mentioned• Beyond Shame – available on Amazon• Bluefield Program (for college students in recovery)• Modified Interpersonal Group Psychotherapy• Duke University Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences• Georgi Educational and Counseling Services – www.georgieducationalandcounseling.comFollow Finding New WatersInstagram: www.instagram.com/newwatersrecoveryFacebook: www.facebook.com/newwatersrecoveryLinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/new-waters-recoveryTikTok: www.tiktok.com/@newwatersrecovery_ncListen & WatchWebsite: www.findingnewwaters.comSpotify: open.spotify.com/show/4NOV2g85KExFWU5mTz5GjwApple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/finding-new-waters/id1684075608YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UCjfAIXtiOgy1XFcwAduXgXwYouTube Music: music.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLuJOc6yLcjibGGAKgLYPCN47etJCY89mn

In this episode of Finding New Waters, hosts B. Reeves and Justin McClendon sit down with Dan Gilmer, Director of Clinical Outreach for TNR Recovery Group, which operates programs including Cypress Lake Recovery and Origins in Texas.

Dan shares his powerful story of getting sober at just 20 years old after years of addiction that began when he was 13. He opens up about discovering Oxycontin as a teenager, chasing that first feeling for years, and finally finding peace through treatment, faith, and service.

From relapsing to rebuilding, Dan’s honesty and humility shine through as he reflects on what it means to truly trust God, maintain a daily reprieve, and find joy in helping others. He also shares how his journey led him to a meaningful career in recovery outreach and how accountability, family, and faith continue to shape his life today.

Learn more about Dan’s work and TNR Recovery Group: www.tnrrecoverygroup.com

Timestamps

00:00 – Welcome & introduction to Dan Gilmer

01:00 – Dan’s role at TNR Recovery Group

03:00 – Discovering Oxycontin at age 13

05:00 – Getting sober at 20 after multiple treatment attempts

06:00 – Starting sober living homes in Baton Rouge

08:00 – What it’s like to get sober young in Louisiana

10:00 – Learning to trust God and rely on faith

13:00 – The difference between believing in God and trusting God

15:00 – Learning when to “end the day and go to sleep”

17:00 – Daily reprieve and spiritual maintenance

20:00 – Life in early sobriety and the power of community

23:00 – Family, honesty, and doing a fearless inventory

25:00 – Marriage, fatherhood, and trusting God’s plan

28:00 – The gift of helping others in recovery

31:00 – The power of accountability and service

34:00 – Overview of TNR Recovery Group programs

37:00 – What is the Wellbriety track?

39:00 – How to connect with TNR Recovery and Dan Gilmer

Powerful Quote

“The best things in my life are the ones I never planned. God’s plan is always better than mine.” – Dan Gilmer

Guest Bio

Dan Gilmer

Director of Clinical Outreach, TNR Recovery Group

Based in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Dan Gilmer serves as the Director of Clinical Outreach for TNR Recovery Group’s Texas programs, including Cypress Lake Recovery and Origins. He oversees outreach, alumni, and aftercare operations, connecting individuals with life-changing recovery services.

Having found sobriety at 20, Dan uses his personal experience to inspire others—especially young people struggling with addiction—to seek help and find purpose through recovery. A husband, father, and devoted member of his recovery community, Dan believes in living a life rooted in faith, service, and accountability.

Website: www.tnrrecoverygroup.com

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/dan-gilmer

Resources Mentioned

• TNR Recovery Group – www.tnrrecoverygroup.com

• Cypress Lake Recovery – www.cypresslakerecovery.com

• Origins Behavioral HealthCare – www.originsrecovery.com

• Sabino Recovery – www.sabinorecovery.com

• Wellbriety Movement – www.whitebison.org

Follow Finding New Waters

Instagram: www.instagram.com/newwatersrecovery

Facebook: www.facebook.com/newwatersrecovery

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/new-waters-recovery

TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@newwatersrecovery_nc

Listen & Watch

Website: www.findingnewwaters.com

Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/4NOV2g85KExFWU5mTz5Gjw

Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/finding-new-waters/id1684075608

YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UCjfAIXtiOgy1XFcwAduXgXw

YouTube Music: music.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLuJOc6yLcjibGGAKgLYPCN47etJCY89mn

#DanGilmer #TNRRecoveryGroup #CypressLakeRecovery #AddictionRecovery #SobrietyJourney #FindingNewWaters #FaithInRecovery #YoungSobriety #Wellbriety #RecoveryCommunity

In this deeply emotional and inspiring episode of Finding New Waters, B. Reeves and Justin McClendon sit down with Jennifer Levi, founder of the Live Like Braun Foundation, to share the story of unimaginable loss, love, and legacy.

Jennifer opens up about losing her 18-year-old son, Braun, to a drunk driver — just months after their family lost their home in the California wildfires. Rather than let grief consume her, she and her family chose action. The Live Like Braun Foundation was born to honor Braun’s life — one defined by kindness, compassion, inclusivity, and a magnetic spirit that inspired everyone he met.

Jennifer discusses her mission to raise awareness about DUI reform, launch scholarships for students pursuing higher education or trade programs, and spread Braun’s message of living boldly and leading with love. She also shares her advocacy work with MADD and efforts to implement AI-powered car technology that could prevent impaired driving.

This episode is both heartbreaking and hopeful — a reminder that even in the darkest moments, one person’s story can spark a nationwide movement for change.

Learn more and support: www.livelikebraunfoundation.org

Follow on Instagram: www.instagram.com/livelikebraunfoundation

Timestamps

00:00 – Welcome & introduction to Jennifer Levi

01:30 – The California wildfires and family displacement

03:00 – Losing Braun to a drunk driver

05:00 – Choosing action over isolation

06:30 – “The worst day of my life became my life’s work”

08:00 – How the Live Like Braun Foundation began

10:00 – Scholarships, awareness, and impact

12:00 – The problem with lenient DUI laws in California

15:00 – AI and technology to prevent drunk driving

18:00 – Education and defensive awareness for teens

21:00 – Partnering with MADD and law enforcement

23:00 – How Live Like Braun is inspiring kids nationwide

25:00 – Scholarships for trade schools and college students

27:00 – Healing through service and purpose

30:00 – Where to follow and get involved

Powerful Quote

“The worst day of my life has now become my life’s work.” – Jennifer Levi

Guest Bio

Jennifer Levi

Founder, Live Like Braun Foundation

Jennifer Levi is the founder of the Live Like Braun Foundation, an organization created to honor her late son, Braun, who was tragically killed by a drunk driver at 18 years old. The foundation promotes kindness, inclusivity, and courage — values Braun embodied — while also raising awareness around impaired driving and providing scholarships for students pursuing higher education, trade, or vocational programs.

Jennifer’s advocacy includes working with MADD and state leaders to strengthen DUI laws, introduce AI-powered prevention technology in vehicles, and provide educational programs in high schools. Through her work, she continues to turn unimaginable pain into a movement of hope and purpose.

Website: www.livelikebraunfoundation.org

Instagram: www.instagram.com/livelikebraunfoundation

Resources Mentioned

• Live Like Braun Foundation – www.livelikebraunfoundation.org

• MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) – www.madd.org

• HALT Act & AI Vehicle Technology

• “Defensive Living” Education Programs for Teens

Follow Finding New Waters

Instagram: www.instagram.com/newwatersrecovery

Facebook: www.facebook.com/newwatersrecovery

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/new-waters-recovery

TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@newwatersrecovery_nc

Listen & Watch

Website: www.findingnewwaters.com

Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/4NOV2g85KExFWU5mTz5Gjw

Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/finding-new-waters/id1684075608

YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UCjfAIXtiOgy1XFcwAduXgXw

YouTube Music: music.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLuJOc6yLcjibGGAKgLYPCN47etJCY89mn

#JenniferLevi #LiveLikeBraun #DUIAwareness #AddictionRecovery #FindingNewWaters #GriefToPurpose #ScholarshipFoundation #ImpairedDrivingPrevention #BraunLeviLegacy #MADD

In this powerful episode, B. Reeves and Justin McClendon sit down with Brian Hughes, Regional Resource Director at Caron Treatment Centers. Brian shares his jaw-dropping story—rising through the beer industry at Sam Adams, spiraling into addiction, landing in federal prison, and ultimately finding purpose through recovery.

Today, Brian helps others find their way out of the darkness. He walks us through Caron’s legacy, his work across the Northeast and Southeast, and how addiction doesn’t discriminate—whether you’re homeless or a CEO. This is a raw, redemptive conversation about second chances, humility, and the power of recovery.

Follow Caron & Contact Brian Hughes

Website: https://www.caron.org

Email: [email protected]

Follow Finding New Waters & New Waters Recovery

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/newwatersrecovery

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/newwatersrecovery

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/new-waters-recovery

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@newwatersrecovery_nc

Podcast Website: https://www.findingnewwaters.com

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4NOV2g85KExFWU5mTz5Gjw

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/finding-new-waters/id1684075608

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjfAIXtiOgy1XFcwAduXgXw

YouTube Music: https://music.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLuJOc6yLcjibGGAKgLYPCN47etJCY89mn

Timestamps

00:00 – Meet Brian Hughes from Caron Treatment Centers

01:15 – Caron’s legacy and history in addiction treatment

03:00 – Brian’s background: Sam Adams, alcohol industry, and addiction

05:00 – His rock bottom: FBI arrest and federal prison

07:00 – First nudge from a judge: 40 days in prison

08:30 – Starting an AA group while incarcerated

09:30 – Why humility was the key to getting free

11:30 – Re-entering the world and recovery work post-prison

13:00 – Landing his first recovery job—while pleading guilty

14:00 – Why his record is now his greatest asset

16:30 – Sitting with people in crisis and offering hope

18:00 – Getting hired by Caron and learning from leaders

19:30 – Why lived experience matters in this field

21:00 – The importance of dignity and respect in recovery

23:00 – What Brian’s job looks like today: family navigation & advocacy

25:00 – How collaboration beats competition in addiction treatment

26:30 – Overview of Caron’s programs and campuses

28:30 – Signature programs: Grandview, Monarch, and Ocean Drive

30:00 – Caron’s neurocognitive treatment approach

31:00 – Admitting younger clients (as young as 17)

32:00 – Final thoughts on humility, service, and second chances

33:00 – How to connect with Brian and learn more about Caron

Hashtags

#BrianHughes #CaronTreatmentCenters #AddictionRecovery

#FindingNewWatersPodcast #RecoveryStory #SecondChances

#FromPrisonToPurpose #NeurocognitiveTherapy #SubstanceUseHelp

#ReentrySupport #SoberLeadership #MentalHealthAwareness

#AlcoholRecovery #12StepRecovery #RedemptionThroughService

In this episode, B. Reeves and Justin McClendon sit down with Drew Horowitz, founder of Drew Horowitz & Associates, to break down what interventions are—and what they aren’t. Drew shares his personal story of recovery, his own intervention in NYC, and how that experience led him to a career helping families navigate addiction, mental health, and crisis with professionalism and heart.

They explore the misconceptions around interventions, the role of sober transport and companions, and how families can better understand the emotional and financial costs of untreated addiction. Whether you’re a loved one trying to help someone take the first step or a professional in the field, this episode is a must-listen.

Follow Drew Horowitz & Associates

Website: https://www.drewhorwitzassociates.com

Follow Finding New Waters & New Waters Recovery

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/newwatersrecovery

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/newwatersrecovery

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/new-waters-recovery

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@newwatersrecovery_nc

Podcast Website: https://www.findingnewwaters.com

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4NOV2g85KExFWU5mTz5Gjw

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/finding-new-waters/id1684075608

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjfAIXtiOgy1XFcwAduXgXw

YouTube Music: https://music.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLuJOc6yLcjibGGAKgLYPCN47etJCY89mn

Timestamps

00:00 – Intro: Meet Drew Horowitz

01:00 – What Drew Horowitz & Associates does

03:00 – Drew’s personal intervention story and path to recovery

05:30 – What a compassionate intervention really looks like

07:00 – Misconceptions from pop culture and TV

09:30 – The four models of intervention

12:00 – Common barriers to treatment (work, fear, control)

15:00 – The difference between persuasion and empowerment

17:00 – Why shame never works

19:00 – The manipulative patterns of addiction

21:00 – Why families get stuck in the same cycle

23:00 – Navigating overwhelming treatment options

25:00 – Talking finances: reality vs emotional cost

27:00 – Sober transport: getting people safely to care

28:30 – Companion services explained

32:00 – Smoothing the landing post-treatment

35:00 – What recovery actually costs when left untreated

37:00 – Additional consulting services

39:00 – Why their team stays focused on what they do best

40:00 – How to find and contact Drew Horowitz & Associates

Hashtags

#DrewHorowitz #InterventionSupport #AddictionRecovery

#FindingNewWatersPodcast #SoberTransport #SoberCompanion

#FamilyRecovery #MentalHealthIntervention #RecoverySupport

#SubstanceUseHelp #CrisisIntervention #TreatmentNavigation

#NewWatersRecovery #AddictionResources #CompassionateCare

In this powerful episode of Finding New Waters, B. Reeves and Justin McClendon sit down with Carl Radke, entrepreneur, reality TV star from Bravo’s Summer House, and founder of Soft Bar, a new alcohol-free café and social space in Brooklyn.

Carl opens up about his public battle with addiction, the tragic loss of his brother to overdose, and how hitting rock bottom led him to embrace sobriety in 2021. He reflects on his time in the alcohol industry, the challenges of getting sober in the spotlight, and how a community of support helped him rebuild his life.

Now nearly five years sober, Carl shares how Soft Bar is redefining what it means to socialize without alcohol — offering premium non-alcoholic cocktails, coffee, and a welcoming space for everyone, whether sober, sober-curious, or just looking for balance.

This episode dives deep into recovery, resilience, and Carl’s mission to break stigma and create connection.

🌐 Learn more: https://radkeboys.com

📍 Visit Soft Bar: Brooklyn, NY

00:00 – Welcome & introduction to Carl Radke

01:05 – Launching Soft Bar in Brooklyn

04:15 – From Bravo to the alcohol industry

06:30 – Losing his brother & hitting rock bottom

09:45 – Getting sober in the public eye

11:20 – Why Soft Bar is about more than recovery

14:30 – Not feeling seen when choosing not to drink

17:00 – Wearing sobriety on his sleeve

19:00 – Building a team and a healthier culture

22:30 – Creating connection & community through Soft Bar

25:30 – Sobriety in New York City & thriving in meetings

29:00 – Experiencing the city sober for the first time

31:30 – Morning routines, running, and meditation

36:00 – The Radke Boys website & resources

42:00 – Impacting others through honesty and visibility

46:00 – One day at a time: future plans for Soft Bar

Carl Radke

Entrepreneur | Reality TV Star | Founder of Soft Bar

Carl Radke is best known as a cast member on Bravo’s Summer House. After years of working in the alcohol industry and struggling with substance use, Carl embraced sobriety in 2021 following the loss of his brother to overdose. Nearly five years sober, he is now the founder of Soft Bar, a sober-friendly café and bar in Brooklyn that offers premium non-alcoholic cocktails and coffee. Carl also runs RadkeBoys.com, a resource hub created in honor of his brother to support those struggling with addiction.

• Soft Bar (Brooklyn, NY)

• RadkeBoys.com – Resources and support

• Release Recovery – Zach Clark’s nonprofit

• Summer House (Bravo TV)

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/newwatersrecovery

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/newwatersrecovery

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/new-waters-recovery

• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@newwatersrecovery_nc

• Podcast Website: https://www.findingnewwaters.com

• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4NOV2g85KExFWU5mTz5Gjw

• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/finding-new-waters/id1684075608

• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjfAIXtiOgy1XFcwAduXgXw

• YouTube Music: https://music.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLuJOc6yLcjibGGAKgLYPCN47etJCY89mn

#CarlRadke #SoftBar #AddictionRecovery #SobrietyJourney #FindingNewWaters #SummerHouse #AlcoholFreeLiving #RecoveryCommunity #NonAlcoholicCocktails

In this episode, B. Reeves and Justin McClendon sit down with Cini Shaw, Director at The Lighthouse in New Canaan, Connecticut. Cini shares her personal recovery journey and how it led her to help create one of the nation’s most respected recovery residences for executives, professionals, and families.

From flexible, concierge-style sober living to coaching and family support, Cini explains how The Lighthouse provides an elevated, individualized path to long-term recovery. She also speaks candidly about the stigma women face when seeking help and why compassionate care is critical to lasting change.

Whether you’re looking to understand sober living options, improve family support, or hear an inspiring recovery story, this episode is packed with insight, heart, and hope.

Follow The Lighthouse & Cini Shaw

Website: https://www.thelighthousect.com

Email: [email protected]

Trey Laird Interview: Available on past episodes of Finding New Waters

Follow Finding New Waters & New Waters Recovery

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/newwatersrecovery

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/newwatersrecovery

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/new-waters-recovery

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@newwatersrecovery_nc

Podcast Website: https://www.findingnewwaters.com

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4NOV2g85KExFWU5mTz5Gjw

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/finding-new-waters/id1684075608

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjfAIXtiOgy1XFcwAduXgXw

YouTube Music: https://music.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLuJOc6yLcjibGGAKgLYPCN47etJCY89mn

Timestamps

00:00 – Welcome Cini Shaw from The Lighthouse

01:05 – What is The Lighthouse recovery residence?

03:00 – Expanding services: Coaching, sober apartments, and intensives

05:25 – Balancing recovery with real life (work, travel, family)

09:00 – Cini’s personal story of alcoholism, detox, and early recovery

11:00 – The power of one act of kindness: her first meeting

14:00 – Why it’s harder for women to ask for help

18:00 – The myth of perfection and mommy wine culture

20:30 – Helping women reintegrate with family while in care

22:00 – Career transitions and building a life that lights you up

24:00 – What is a recovery coach and how are they different from therapists or sponsors?

27:00 – Real-life support: dating, airports, football games, and more

29:00 – Why matching clients with the right coach matters

31:00 – Family coaching and the Invitation to Change model

34:00 – Healing the whole family: The Healing Forest metaphor

36:00 – The meaning of “Wellbriety” and growing wellness

37:30 – Fun, connection, and living a full life in recovery

38:30 – How to get in touch with Cini and visit The Lighthouse

Hashtags

#CiniShaw #TheLighthouseCT #FindingNewWatersPodcast

#WomenInRecovery #SoberLiving #RecoveryCoaching

#ExecutiveRecovery #Wellbriety #AlcoholRecovery

#FamilySupport #HealingForest #AddictionRecovery

#MindfulLiving #SoberTransformation #MentalHealthAwareness

In this episode of Finding New Waters, B. Reeves and Justin McClendon sit down with Amber Hollingsworth, therapist, addiction recovery coach, and creator of the popular YouTube channel Put the Shovel Down.

Amber shares her journey of becoming an addiction counselor “by accident,” how she built one of the first teen outpatient programs in her area, and the lessons she’s learned after 20 years working with families and individuals facing addiction. She explains her unique family lawyering model, why loved ones often get stuck playing the “villain” role, and how her method of “invisible interventions” helps families move someone from denial to change without ultimatums or blowups.

From her candid reflections on marijuana addiction and cannabis-induced psychosis, to her strategies for family involvement, Amber brings practical wisdom, compassion, and humor to the complex challenges of recovery.

📍 Learn more about Amber:

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PutTheShovelDown

Website: https://www.hopeforfamiliesrecoverycenter.com

00:00 – Welcome & introduction to Amber Hollingsworth

02:00 – How Amber accidentally became an addiction counselor

05:00 – Building one of the first teen outpatient programs

08:00 – Why relationships matter more than clinical techniques

10:00 – The family lawyering model explained

13:00 – How families unknowingly sabotage recovery efforts

16:00 – Invisible interventions and building “credit” with loved ones

20:00 – Content creation and Put the Shovel Down on YouTube

24:00 – Trends in addiction: alcohol, opioids, and marijuana

27:00 – Why cannabis addiction is often the hardest to treat

30:00 – Cannabis-induced psychosis and its impact on teens and families

33:00 – Why marijuana can cause aggression in adolescents

36:00 – Final thoughts & how to connect with Amber

“The formula for change is simple: natural consequences plus empathy equals movement. Families just need to stop playing the villain.” – Amber Hollingsworth

Amber Hollingsworth

Therapist | Recovery Coach | Creator, Put the Shovel Down

Amber Hollingsworth has worked in addiction treatment for over 20 years, helping families and individuals break free from denial and build lasting recovery. Known for her innovative family lawyering model and her popular YouTube channel Put the Shovel Down, Amber equips families with practical strategies to support recovery without confrontation. She specializes in working with families affected by substance use, offering coaching, educational content, and compassionate guidance rooted in experience and connection.

🌐 Hope for Families Recovery Center

📺 Put the Shovel Down on YouTube

Put the Shovel Down YouTube Channel

Hope for Families Recovery Center

Circle of Security Parenting: https://circleofsecurityinternational.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/newwatersrecovery

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/newwatersrecovery

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/new-waters-recovery

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@newwatersrecovery_nc

Podcast Website: https://www.findingnewwaters.com

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4NOV2g85KExFWU5mTz5Gjw

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/finding-new-waters/id1684075608

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjfAIXtiOgy1XFcwAduXgXw

YouTube Music: https://music.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLuJOc6yLcjibGGAKgLYPCN47etJCY89mn

#AmberHollingsworth #PutTheShovelDown #FamilyRecovery #AddictionRecovery #FindingNewWaters #InvisibleIntervention #CannabisAddiction #MarijuanaPsychosis #RecoveryPodcast

In this moving episode of Finding New Waters, B. Reeves and Justin McClendon sit down with Gregg Champion—entrepreneur, recovery advocate, and co-founder of Startup Recovery—to talk about his 30-year journey in sobriety and the devastating California wildfires that destroyed his home, schools, and 70% of his business in a single day.

Gregg shares how recovery equipped him to respond with clarity, prioritize family and clients, and rally his community during an unthinkable disaster. He opens up about the creation of Startup Recovery, his belief that we should “shift addiction to passion,” and why he rejects the idea of “get well jobs” in favor of pursuing purpose from the start.

From Hollywood to entrepreneurship to building sober living communities, Gregg’s story is one of resilience, innovation, and faith in humanity—restored in the aftermath of tragedy.

📍 Learn more about Startup Recovery:

• Website: https://www.startuprecovery.com

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/greggchampion

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/greggchampion

00:00 – Welcome & introduction to Gregg Champion

02:00 – The story behind Gregg’s “Live Like Braun” hat

05:00 – Discovering his “it factor” and the second definition of Champion

07:00 – Sobriety, entrepreneurship, and founding Startup Recovery

10:00 – Rejecting the “get well job” and choosing passion

13:00 – The January 7th fires: losing his home, business, and schools

17:00 – Keeping kids together to reduce trauma

20:00 – Rebuilding Startup Recovery in Santa Monica

23:00 – Addiction, divorce, and the fallout after disaster

27:00 – Faith restored: strangers’ generosity after the fire

30:00 – Gratitude, perspective, and resilience in real time

35:00 – Startup 2.0 and what’s next

40:00 – How to connect with Gregg Champion

Gregg Champion

Co-Founder, Startup Recovery | Recovery Advocate | Entrepreneur

Gregg Champion has been sober for 30 years and is the co-founder of Startup Recovery, a unique program in Southern California combining mentorship, entrepreneurship, and clinical treatment. With a background in film, branding, and teaching entrepreneurship at USC, Gregg integrates his passion for innovation with his commitment to recovery. His mission is to help people “shift addiction to passion” and live with purpose.

🌐 Startup Recovery

• Startup Recovery: https://www.startuprecovery.com

• Startup Wellness: https://www.startupwellness.com

• Startup Apartments: https://www.startupapartments.com

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/newwatersrecovery

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/newwatersrecovery

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/new-waters-recovery

• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@newwatersrecovery_nc

• Podcast Website: https://www.findingnewwaters.com

• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4NOV2g85KExFWU5mTz5Gjw

• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/finding-new-waters/id1684075608

• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjfAIXtiOgy1XFcwAduXgXw

• YouTube Music: https://music.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLuJOc6yLcjibGGAKgLYPCN47etJCY89mn

#GreggChampion #StartupRecovery #Resilience #AddictionRecovery #FindingNewWaters #RecoveryJourney #SoberEntrepreneur #Sobriety30Years #ShiftAddictionToPassion #RecoveryCommunity

In this episode of Finding New Waters, B. Reeves and Justin McClendon sit down with John Lieberman, CEO of Visions Teen Treatment Centers in California, a premier program for adolescents struggling with substance use and mental health.

John shares his remarkable journey of getting sober at just 17 years old in 1985, entering treatment twice as a teenager, and finding hope that recovery could actually be fun. Now celebrating nearly 40 years in recovery and four decades working in the field, John reflects on how his early experiences shaped his lifelong dedication to adolescent treatment.

He discusses his path from floor tech to national outreach director, the founding of Visions, and why he believes in meeting teens with honesty, authenticity, and family support. John also sounds the alarm about today’s challenges—social media, misdiagnosed mental health, and the dangers of THC and psychedelics for vulnerable youth.

This conversation is raw, inspiring, and full of wisdom from someone who has dedicated his life to helping young people and families find healing.

📍 Learn more about Visions: https://visionsteen.co

00:00 – Welcome & introduction to John Lieberman

02:00 – Getting sober at 17 in Pasadena, CA

06:00 – Finding hope that recovery could be fun

10:00 – Lessons from early treatment experiences

15:00 – From floor tech to 40 years in adolescent treatment

20:00 – Why authenticity matters in youth recovery

24:00 – Visions Teen: dual diagnosis & family-focused programming

29:00 – Why all-gender treatment environments matter

33:00 – The rise of anxiety, OCD, and autism spectrum diagnoses

38:00 – Social media’s devastating impact on kids

44:00 – THC, psychedelics, and the reality of psychosis in teens

50:00 – Why parents must get involved in recovery

54:00 – A message of hope for families

John Lieberman

CEO, Visions Teen Treatment Centers

John Lieberman has been working in the field of addiction and adolescent mental health for nearly 40 years. After getting sober at 17, John began his career as a floor tech and went on to become a leader, educator, and advocate in adolescent treatment. Today, he serves as CEO of Visions Teen Treatment Centers in California, widely regarded as the gold standard in adolescent care. John is passionate about authentic connection, family involvement, and raising awareness about the unique challenges facing today’s youth.

🌐 Visions Teen Treatment

• Visions Teen Treatment: https://visionsteen.com

• “The Anxious Generation” by Jonathan Haidt

• Circle of Security Parenting: https://circleofsecurityinternational.com

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/newwatersrecovery

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/newwatersrecovery

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/new-waters-recovery

• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@newwatersrecovery_nc

• Podcast Website: https://www.findingnewwaters.com

• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4NOV2g85KExFWU5mTz5Gjw

• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/finding-new-waters/id1684075608

• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjfAIXtiOgy1XFcwAduXgXw

• YouTube Music: https://music.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLuJOc6yLcjibGGAKgLYPCN47etJCY89mn

#JohnLieberman #VisionsTeen #AdolescentRecovery #AddictionRecovery #FindingNewWaters #TeenMentalHealth #SubstanceAbuseTreatment #SobrietyAt17 #RecoveryCommunity #YouthRecovery