Episode 281: Matt Gardiner’s Recovery Roadmap

Everyone’s recovery story is unique, but in the case of my guest for this episode, there are some unmistakable parallels that resonate with us both. Matt Gardiner is a certified recovery coach, sound therapist and podcast host whose journey has been marked by turning points that share some similarities with John’s, as their conversation illuminates with humor and insight. We learn about how Matt came to AA, his reaction to that first meeting (the laughter took him by surprise!) and the way his father’s death inspired a powerful shift in his mid-30s. Moving with curiosity through the toughest of times, Matt has found his way to authenticity and a coaching business he loves.

In addition to sharing step-by-step the modules that constitute his Recovery Roadmap 30-Day Program, Matt explains exactly what sound healing is and how his breathwork credential complements it. The conversation also touches on how The Beyond Recovery Podcast was conceived and the wide variety of resources available to anyone in search of support. It’s an exciting time to be in recovery, which is why Matt’s closing advice is so compelling – and realistic: Don’t be alone. Reach out and you will find just the right community awaits!

Key Takeaways

* Transgenerational Beginnings: Drinking’s allure traces back to the fun Matt perceived his parents were having with their adult beverages, subsequently picking up steam when his parents divorced and his childhood in rural part of British Columbia “blew up.”

* Music afforded Matt a great way of expressing his feelings about being bullied or disenchanted by the fragility of his home life, but it also turned into a gateway for emulating the rock ‘n roll lifestyle.

* Hospitalized for an attack of pancreatitis at 27, Matt’s eyes were opened to the fact that his partying was wreaking havoc. It was supposed to be a wake-up call, but another several years of habitual drinking ensued.

* When he reached a point of acknowledging the problem, Matt was concerned about the kind of reception he would get. Friends and family couldn’t have been more supportive.

* Ego and Relapse: Because he’d learned so much over more than three years, Matt deemed himself ready to reintroduce alcohol. He could drink like everyone else, right?

* Four years later, after trying every possible variety of moderation, Matt returned to sobriety in 2019 after the death of his dad at the age of 66.

* The power of laughter, levity and lightness: Both John and Matt were surprised and comforted by the upbeat vibe they found at their first AA meetings. It was a sign of optimism and hope for a brighter future.

* John and Matt also have in common the powerful impact that the loss of their respective fathers had on their life paths and decisions to reassess.

* Working harder, pushing further, surely happiness and a sense of achievement was around the corner. But for all the motivation, it was essential that Matt break through to the next level of energy … which is where his journey and purpose started to shift.

* As soon as he started a six-month sabbatical inspired by floating feelings of dread and anxiety Matt knew there would be no going back to his 9-to-5 job. He was open and following his intuition, creative impulses and new, entrepreneurial ideas.

* Taking a Leap Isn’t Easy! Among the hobgoblins we often encounter:

* Mixing up financial status and personal value.

* Letting Impostor Syndrome undermine our agency.

* Isolating and not reaching out for help.

* Matt found his sweet spot after reflecting on what he’d liked and excelled at professionally: Coaching, mentoring and helping people believe in themselves.

* Recovery, mindset, business and other types of coaching share parallel focuses: