not all there: stories of sobriety and recovery

In this powerful live recording from our Sober Soirée series, Jim H. takes the mic to share a raw and reflective look at his recovery journey. With honesty and humor, Jim explores how community, creativity, and vulnerability helped him face anger, rebuild relationships, and find meaning in sobriety.

Sober Soirées are more than just events — they’re a lifeline. These gatherings create space for storytelling, connection, and healing, strengthening the recovery community one voice at a time. They are free to attend, but not free to create.

If this episode moves you, please consider donating to the Art of Recovery Foundation. Your support helps us keep the lights on, the mics hot, and the stories flowing. Together, we’re building something real — and we need your help to keep it going.

Donate Here:

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Storyteller Kevin shares his personal journey with alcoholism, reflecting on the loss of his best friend and the struggles of sobriety. He discusses the complexities of understanding alcoholism, the challenges of relapse, and the importance of community and support in recovery. Through his experiences, he emphasizes the significance of curiosity and connection in the healing process.

Takeaways

The misconceptions about being an alcoholic.

Relapse can happen even after years of sobriety.

Community and support are crucial in recovery.

Therapy played a significant role in his understanding of alcoholism.

Art of Recovery Foundation

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Email Chad at: [email protected]

In this story, Melissa shares her personal journey throughaddiction and recovery, emphasizing the importance of community, support, and the act of showing up for oneself and others. She reflects on her early aspirations, the struggles of living with alcoholism, and the transformative power of recovery in her life.

Takeaways 

Showing up for others is crucial in recovery.

Community plays a vital role in overcoming addiction.

Alcoholism can manifest even in seemingly normal lives.

The journey to sobriety often starts with self-acceptance.

Mental health struggles can accompany addiction.

Finding a supportive network is essential for recovery.

Recovery allows for a fulfilling life without substances.

Therapy can help uncover deeper issues related to addiction.

Honesty is a key component of sobriety.

Donate for Not All There & Sober Soirees

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Art of Recovery Foundation

https://givebutter.com/jq3VbW

https://www.artofrecoveryfoundation.org/

In this powerful and personal episode, recorded live at the very first Not All There Sober Soirée, Chad steps up to the mic to share his own story of addiction and recovery. Through raw honesty and dark humor, he reflects on the pain, the hope, and the healing that comes with choosing sobriety. This isn’t just a story about addiction—it’s about community, connection, and the courage to speak the truth out loud.

July is our fundraising month.
If this episode moved you—or if you believe in the power of storytelling to save lives—we ask for your support. Every dollar donated helps us continue producing the Not All There podcast and hosting future Sober Soirées, where voices like Chad’s (and yours) can be heard. Together, we’re building a space for healing, laughter, and hope.

Thank you for walking this path with us.

Donate Here:

https://gofund.me/ba3c36b9

https://notalltherepod.com/

https://www.artofrecoveryfoundation.org/

What happens when a guy hits rock bottom and insteadof staying there, builds a retreat in paradise where people heal using psychedelics? You get Andrew Tansil. In this episode, the founder of Sayulita Wellness Retreat walks us through his own mental health reckoning, how plantmedicine cracked him open (in a good way), and why healing works best when you do it with intention, honesty, and a few strangers in the jungle. It’s a conversation about tripping with purpose, facing your shadow, and choosing connectionover chaos—with just enough weird to keep it real.

In this episode of Not All There, host Chad Johnson sits down with Barney Whiter, one of the UK’s leading financial coaches, for an honest and revealing conversation about the connection between money, fear, and alcohol.

Speaking from his home just outside London, Barney opens up about how his drinking once fueled his drive and dulled his childhood anxieties around financial security—but at a cost. What started as a coping mechanism became abarrier to his health, his happiness, and his professional fulfillment.

Barney shares intimate details of what life was like before, during, and after his drinking, and how sobriety reshaped not only his relationship with alcohol, but also with money, purpose, and self-worth. If you've ever wonderedhow high-functioning professionals mask deep-rooted fears with booze—or how it feels to strip all that away and start again—this one’s for you.

This is a story of financial expertise, personal reckoning, and the clarity that comes when the fog lifts.

Find more about Barney here:

https://theescapeartist.me/about/

Takeaways

Barney Weider transitioned from finance to coaching after experiencing burnout.

He emphasizes the intersection of finance, career, and health in his coaching.

Burnout is a significant issue in modern work culture.

Barney's journey involved a 35-year drinking career that he reflects on critically.

He highlights the gradual nature of addiction and its creeping effects.

COVID-19 impacted many people's drinking habits, including his own.

Health scares prompted Barney to confront his alcohol use.

Self-awareness is crucial for personal growth and recovery.

Barney uses various techniques to help clients find their own paths.

The process of recovery is about discovery and understanding oneself.

In this heartfelt episode of Not All There, Chad sits down with his dear friend Amy D., a gifted storyteller and fierce spirit in long-term recovery. Amy shares her powerful journey of identity, addiction, and healing—beginning with her experience growing up adopted into a prominent localfamily and the early signs that she didn’t drink like everyone else. From chasing creative dreams at film school to working in Hollywood, and eventually returning to Chicago, Amy's story is one of resilience, self-discovery, and survival.

Together, Chad and Amy open up about the winding path of recovery—its triumphs, its setbacks, and the lessons learned along the way. They also share a deeply emotional tribute to their beloved friend Vic, who passed away fromcancer on April 29, 2025. Vic’s life and legacy touched them both profoundly, and this episode is lovingly dedicated to his memory.

This one’s raw, real, and full of grace. A reminder that no matter how far we drift, there’s always a way back—to recovery, to community, and to ourselves.
In loving memory of Vic 💔🕊️

Takeaways

Amy was adopted and discovered her biological family later in life.

She came from a long line of alcoholics, which influenced her relationship with alcohol.

Her first experience with alcohol was at a young age, leading to early struggles with drinking.

Amy's journey to sobriety began when she surrounded herself with sober friends.

She faced challenges in Los Angeles, losing her support system and struggling with addiction again.

Marriage brought its own set of challenges, especially with her husband's career in the film industry.

Amy's postpartum depression led her to seek help and ultimately return to drinking.

The importance of community and connection in recovery cannot be overstated.

Faith and creativity play crucial roles in personal growth and recovery.

The conversation highlights the need for love and support in overcoming life's challenges.

Keywords

sobriety, addiction, recovery, community, personal growth, mental health, family, creativity, faith, relationships

In this powerful and heartfelt episode, Chad sits down with health and wellness expert, author, and advocate Britt Brandon for a deep conversation about addiction, sobriety, and the real, daily work of active recovery.

Britt shares her lived experiences — the highs, the rock bottoms, and the hard-won lessons that have shaped her path. She opens up about how her passion for health and wellness became not just a personal lifeline, but a mission to help others find their way through recovery with strength, self-compassion, and sustainable habits. Together, Chad and

Britt discuss what "active recovery" really looks like, far beyond the early milestones, and why embracing your full story — scars and all — is essential for lasting change.

Listeners can find Britt’s work and books at, https://sherisesandthrives.com/  and get ready for her inspiring new release, She Rises and Thrives, available May 27, 2025!

PLUS: Britt will be one of the featured live storytellers at the next Not All There Sober Soirée happening this Friday, May 2, 2025, at the beautiful Ravenswood Loft in Chicago. Can’t make it in person? We’ve got you — the evening will be live streamed at www.notalltherepod.com.

You don't want to miss this one. 

Britt Brandon

https://sherisesandthrives.com/

Ravenswood Loft

https://www.ravenswoodloft.com/

For the Soire Live Stream

https://notalltherepod.com/

Keywords

recovery, addiction, wellness, community, mental health, sobriety, faith, identity, support, personal growth

⚠️ Content Warning:
This episode contains a brief discussion of suicide and suicidal ideation. If you or someone you know is struggling, please know you're not alone.
Help is available.
Call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline anytime, 24/7.
You can also visit 988lifeline.org for more resources and support.

In this episode of Not All There, Chad sits down with Danielle from Craving Clarity to continue their unique and ever-evolving collaboration. Together, they dive into the cutting-edge neuroscience Danielle and her team are uncovering—exploring how the brain responds to addiction, recovery, and everything in between. Chad brings the lived experience, the stories, and just enough self-deprecating humor to keep things real, raw, and relatable.

It’s a conversation that blends science and sobriety in ways that are engaging, thoughtful, and occasionally full of “where the hell are they going with this?” moments. (Don’t worry—they land the plane.)

This episode is an important, fascinating ride through the brain, the bottle, and beyond—perfect for anyone curious about what makes addiction tick and how recovery rewires us. You don’t need a lab coat or a 12-step book to enjoy this one—just an open mind and maybe a sense of humor.

Takeaways

• The importance of community support in recovery.
• Self-acceptance is a significant hurdle for many.
• Psychedelic-assisted therapy is gaining traction in addiction treatment.
• Neuroscience can help us understand the mechanisms of addiction.
• Cravings are complex and not fully understood.
• Trauma plays a crucial role in addiction and recovery.
• Recovery is a continuous journey, not a destination.
• Non-invasive brain stimulation shows promise in addiction treatment.
• Understanding the brain's wiring can aid in developing better therapies.
• Personal experiences shape our understanding of addiction and recovery.

For more information on Craving Clarity:

https://www.cravingclarity.co.uk/

In this thought-provoking episode, Brianna from Craving Clarity joins Chad from Not All There for a lively and engaging conversation that dives deep into the intersection of faith, science, addiction, and recovery. Together, they explore how belief systems, neuroscience, and lived experience can all coexist—and even complement one another—on the journey to sobriety.

From the role of spirituality in healing, to the science behind substance use disorder, to the importance of staying curious and open-minded, Brianna and Chad offer fresh perspectives and honest reflections. This episode isn’t about picking sides—it’s about starting conversations.

Whether you're newly sober, years into recovery, or simply curious about the complex web of what keeps us stuck—and what sets us free—this episode invites you to think, question, and connect. Because in recovery, keeping an open mind just might be one of the most powerful tools we have.

Craving Clarity:

https://www.cravingclarity.co.uk/

Takeaways:

Addiction is a multifaceted issue that requires a comprehensive approach.

Recovery involves both personal and communal efforts.

Faith and spirituality can coexist with scientific understanding.

Sobriety is not just about abstaining from substances; it's about active engagement in recovery.

Community support is crucial for maintaining sobriety.

Understanding the science behind addiction can aid in recovery.

Recovery is a lifelong journey that requires ongoing effort and adaptation.

People are not broken; they are evolving through their experiences.

The narrative around addiction needs to shift from shame to understanding.

Conversations about addiction and recovery can help break down stigma.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Craving Clarity and Addiction Research

03:52 The Intersection of Faith, Spirituality, and Addiction

06:28 Navigating Recovery: Faith vs. Spirituality

09:21 Community and Support in Recovery

12:19 The Role of Science in Understanding Addiction

15:10 Personal Experiences with Faith and Recovery

17:43 The Importance of Individualized Recovery Paths

20:31 Cultural Perspectives on Addiction and Recovery

23:11 The Need for Broader Conversations on Sobriety

26:30 The Science of Addiction and Its Limitations

29:28 Conclusion: Integrating Faith, Science, and Community

37:18 Science vs. Faith: Understanding Perspectives

41:40 The Role of Ego in Addiction and Recovery

46:53 Personal Growth Through Sobriety and Spirituality

48:09 The Challenges of Sustaining Sobriety

55:58 The Reality of Recovery: Beyond the T-Shirt

01:02:10 Collaboration for Change: Bridging Science and Faith

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