In this powerful episode of Keep Hustling, Aaron Gordon sits down with Dr. Rob Kelly to uncover his extraordinary journey from homelessness and addiction in Manchester, England, to becoming a leading expert in addiction recovery and mindset coaching in the US. Dr. Kelly shares the pivotal moment of his spiritual awakening, the impact of childhood trauma on addictive personalities, and how he transformed extreme challenges into a multimillion-dollar enterprise helping others. The conversation dives deep into hustle culture, embracing one's true self, and why striving for 98%, not perfection, leads to lasting success. Dr. Kelly's story is both inspiring and practical, leaving listeners with actionable advice: embrace your unique traits, seize every opportunity, and remember, you miss every shot you don't take.

Get To Know Dr. Robb Kelly, PhD – Addiction Recovery Expert

Dr. Robb Kelly, PhD, is a world-renowned addiction consultant and the CEO of the Robb Kelly Recovery Group, a leading addiction and mental health recovery coaching organization based in San Antonio, Texas. With over 30 years of experience, Dr. Kelly has dedicated his life to helping individuals overcome addiction by addressing its root causes rather than merely treating symptoms. His innovative approach, grounded in neuroscience, Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP), and Somatic Experiencing Techniques, has empowered thousands, including celebrities from film, music, and sports, to achieve lasting recovery.

Born in Manchester, England, Dr. Kelly grew up in a musical family, performing on stage by age nine and later working as a session musician at the prestigious Abbey Road Studios in London. Despite early struggles with alcoholism, he pursued academic excellence, earning a PhD in Psychology from the University of Oxford in 1984 and a second PhD in Behavioral Science from the University of Southampton in 2013. His personal battle with addiction, which led to homelessness on the streets of Manchester, fuels his empathetic and direct approach, earning him the nickname "The Gordon Ramsay of the Addiction World."

Dr. Kelly's philosophy emphasizes rewiring neural pathways, addressing childhood trauma, and fostering positive behavioral change to achieve permanent recovery. His tailored, one-on-one coaching programs, often conducted via telehealth, have a remarkable 97% success rate for clients who pass his rigorous assessment process. He is also a Nationally Certified Recovery Coach (NCRC-1) and a Somatic Experience Practitioner, further enhancing his ability to guide clients toward holistic healing of body, mind, and spirit.

A sought-after speaker, Dr. Kelly has lectured at prestigious universities, national conferences, treatment facilities, and hospitals worldwide. He has appeared on shows such as *The Doctors*, *Good Morning Texas*, and *Kens5 Morning News*, and hosts the *Breaking Through Addiction* podcast, where he discusses mental health and recovery with notable guests. His "Let's Get Back to 98% Recovery DVDs" are widely used in prisons and treatment centers across the United States. In 2019, Dr. Kelly published his memoir, *Daddy, Daddy Please Stop Drinking*, chronicling his journey from addiction to recovery and his mission to transform lives.

Dr. Kelly's work is driven by a profound belief: "The problem is not our drinking; it is our thinking." Through the Robb Kelly Recovery Group, he continues to inspire hope, offering personalized recovery solutions that empower individuals to step out of their disease and into a life of purpose and possibility.

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3 Episode Key Takeaways 1. Transform Adversity Into Opportunity: Dr. Rob Kelly's journey from homelessness and addiction to building successful businesses exemplifies the power of turning personal struggles into professional triumphs. His story reminds listeners that life's lowest moments can become the catalyst for long-term success and meaningful impact when approached with the right mindset.


2. Redefine and Own Your Hustle: The conversation challenges common misconceptions about "hustle culture." Both Aaron and Dr. Rob stress that true hustle is about consistently moving forward and embracing one's unique personality—even extreme tendencies—in positive, productive ways. Success comes from leveraging your individuality rather than trying to fit a predetermined mold.


3. Change Starts in the Mind: Dr. Rob highlights the role of mindset and neural rewiring in overcoming limiting beliefs and achieving greatness. By addressing past traumas, shifting self-perception, and surrounding oneself with empowering influences, anyone can create the foundation needed for personal transformation, growth, and sustained achievement.


Show Overview: 00:00 From Stability to Homelessness: My Journey

03:21 From Street Survivor to Healer

09:14 Hustle and Addiction: Personal Transformation

11:09 Childhood Trauma: The True Gateway

13:26 Embracing Extremes for Positive Change

19:25 Elevate Your Energy, Heal Trauma

21:27 Striving for 98% Success

23:43 First Class Transforms Your Mindset