not all there: stories of sobriety and recovery

In the first of four special collaborative episodes, Not All There’s Chad Johnson and Craving Clarity’s Hajer dive deep into the way society views substance use disorder, sobriety, and recovery. It’s an eye-opening, funny, and essential conversation that challenges the outdated stigmas surrounding addiction.

Together, Chad and Hajer unpack the misconceptions that often label those struggling with addiction as broken, weak, or less than. Instead, they push forward a powerful message: If you are battling addiction, you are not a failure. You are human—worthy of love, forgiveness, and a chance at a better life.

With a mix of raw honesty, humor, and real talk, this episode sparks an important discussion on how we can shift societal perspectives and create a more compassionate, understanding world for those in recovery.

For more about Craving Clarity—including their podcast, research, and advocacy—visit www.cravingclarity.co.uk.

In this episode of Not All There, host Chad Johnson sits down with James from Atascadero, California, to discuss his early exposure to substance abuse and the struggles that led him to the streets of Southern California. Now eight years sober, James and his friends are making a real impact in the Central Coast recovery community. They’ve launched Waves of Recoverysober living homes, with one home already open and plans for more on the horizon. James is a real one—his story is raw, inspiring, and a testament to the power of recovery. Tune in, share, and help us spread hope to those who need it.

Sober with Chad Sober Coaching

www.soberchad.com

[email protected]

Know that you're not alone in your addiction. I see you. I hear you. It's OK to reach out and ask for help. You're worth it.

In this episode of Not All There, host Chad Johnson sits down with former Sunderland footballer Kieron Brady for a raw, insightful, and brutally honest conversation about his battle with alcoholism. Kieron shares how, like so many others, his drinking spiraled out of control, bringing his once-promising career and life as he knew it to a sloppy, painful halt.

This episode dives deep into the realities of active alcoholism—the denial, the self-destruction, and the toll it takes on a person’s relationships and ambitions. But it also highlights the incredible transformation that’s possible through hard work in recovery. With Kieron’s sharp wit and Chad’s signature mix of humor and empathy, they explore the dark truths of addiction and the surprising, often beautiful ways sobriety can reshape a life.

Whether you're in recovery, struggling with addiction, or just looking for a real, no-BS conversation about what it takes to rebuild from rock bottom, this episode is for you. It's funny, serious, inspiring—and above all—honest.

In this episode ofNot All There, Chad sits down withEd Kressy, a man whose journey defies all odds. Once addicted to methamphetamine and convinced the FBI was watching him, Ed lost nearly everything—his home, his relationships, and his grip on reality. But his story didn’t end there. Through an extraordinary transformation, Ed turned his life around and went on to work with the same FBI he once feared, using his experiences to help those struggling with addiction and incarceration.

Chad and Ed dive deep into:
🔹 Ed’s spiral into addiction and paranoia
🔹 The rock-bottom moment that changed everything
🔹 His journey to recovery and redemption
🔹 How he now helps others—especially those behind bars—find hope and second chances

This episode is raw, real, and a testament to the power of resilience. If you or someone you know has ever felt like there’s no way out, Ed’s story proves that recovery—and even an incredible new purpose—are always possible.

Ed's non-profit, Un-carcerated

https://www.un-carcerated.org/

Hustle 2.0

https://www.hustle20.com/

Defy Ventures

https://www.defyventures.org/

Link to purchase Ed's book:

https://a.co/d/aQp7PF5

In this heartfelt and powerful episode of Not All There, host Chad Johnson sits down with Sober Coach Stephanie Hazard to dive deep into the meaning of sobriety and the transformative intimacy found in recovery. Stephanie opens up about confronting her childhood traumas, her family’s history of alcoholism, and her personal struggles with food and alcohol. She shares how finding sobriety has profoundly changed her life, enabling her to be present, form meaningful connections, and embrace positivity.

The conversation also highlights Stephanie’s journey of using her lived experiences to guide others toward their own paths of acceptance and happiness. Together, Chad and Stephanie explore the challenges and rewards of living a life free from substances, offering listeners insight, care, and gratitude through this emotional and inspiring discussion. This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking encouragement, understanding, or a deeper connection to the power of recovery.

Takeaways:

Stephanie’s Website: 

https://www.pathtowardrecovery.com

The Lighthouse: Trey Laird, CEO /  Sober Living and Recovery Coaching

https://thelighthousect.com

Silverbell Global: Natasha Silver Bell, Founder and CEO / Recovery Services

https://silverbellglobal.com

Chad’s Contact Email: [email protected]

In this episode of the Not All There podcast, host Chad

Roland highlights the pivotal role of personal experiences and community support in the recovery process,

The episode wraps up with an inspiring message for listeners interested in helping others in their recovery journey, encouraging them to pursue the proper training and skills needed for a career in addiction counseling. This candid and heartfelt discussion provides a blend of hope, education, and practical advice for anyone affected by addiction or seeking to make a difference in the recovery community.

http://www.rolandwilliamsconsulting.com/index.html

Contact Roland: [email protected]

https://www.cenaps.com/

Takeaways

·      Recovery is a personal journey that requires

·      Relapse is often a process that begins long

·      Community support is crucial for long-term

·      Grief over the loss of substances can lead to

·      Lived experiences can inspire and guide others

·      Abstinence alone does not equate to recovery;

·      Understanding the triggers and patterns of

·      Counseling requires both lived experience and

·      Building a supportive network is essential for

·      Continuous learning and skill development are

In this riveting episode of Not All There, Chad Johnson sits down with Dr. Harold Jonas, the founder of Sobrlife, to unpack a truly remarkable journey of addiction, survival, and redemption.

Dr. J’s story begins like many who have struggled with addiction, but his path took him to harrowing depths that few have survived. From shooting heroin on the streets of New York City during the height of the AIDS epidemic to finding his way to a fulfilling sober life on Florida’s sunny beaches, his story is one of unimaginable extremes and ultimate triumph.

Never a dull moment, the episode is charged with energy as Dr. J and Chad dive into the wild realities of addiction—the chaos, the heartbreak, and the hope. Together, they explore how addiction can lead people to the darkest corners of life, but also how recovery can bring them to places of peace, purpose, and joy.

With honesty and humor, the conversation spans the gritty streets of New York to the tranquil shores of Florida, painting a vivid picture of the incredible potential for transformation in recovery. Dr. J now dedicates his life to helping others on their own journeys to sobriety, offering wisdom and support to those who need it most.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone who’s experienced the highs and lows of addiction or simply wants to be inspired by the resilience of the human spirit.

Takeaways:

·      Dr. Jonas's early life was marked by

·      He found solace

·      Recovery is a

·      Dr. Jonas

·      He faced

·      The loss of his

·      Dr. Jonas

·      Sober Life aims

·      He believes in

·      Dr. Jonas's

How to find Dr. J:

[email protected]

https://sobrlife.com/

https://www.haroldjonas.com/

In this episode of "Not All There", Chad sits down with Martin Peters, a seasoned professional in the field of addiction and mental health. With over 30 years of experience as a Registered Nurse, CBT Therapist, Certified Substance Abuse Therapist, Specialist Alcohol and Addictions Counselor, and Advanced Certified Relapse Prevention Specialist, Martin brings a unique perspective to the conversation. Growing up in a small town that saw its main industry collapse, Martin witnessed firsthand how the community struggled to survive as addiction took a firm hold. He shares how these early experiences shaped his path, leading him to work with inmates in prisons, helping them find hope and healing.

The conversation takes an international turn as Martin talks about his bold moves to Thailand and then to India, where he continues his work with individuals fighting addiction. Martin and Chad dive deep into the importance of adaptability, resilience, and the life-changing power of community in the battle against addiction. This episode offers listeners a compelling look at the impact of addiction on individuals and communities and the importance of understanding, compassion, and hope in the healing journey.

Martin Peters LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/martin-peters-6581363b/?originalSubdomain=in

Samarpan Recovery: https://www.samarpanrecovery.com/

In this episode of “Not All There”, Chad sits down

 Whether you're battling your own demons or know someone who is, this episode is a reminder

·      

·      

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In this captivating episode of "Not All There," Chad engages in a wildly funny yet profoundly serious conversation with Kate, a woman whose life story is nothing short of miraculous. From surviving multiple overdoses, a heart attack, and a coma, Kate has navigated through the darkest corners of addiction to find recovery and spirituality in the most unexpected place—paganism.

Join us as Kate shares how she transformed her life, found peace in her practice, and became a beacon of hope in her community. Her candid humor and awe-inspiring resilience will not only make you laugh but also leave you feeling uplifted and better about life. Don't miss this unforgettable conversation with one solid witch who turned her trials into triumphs.

Takeaways:

·      We're all a bit fucked up, and that's

·      Finding spirituality can be a crucial

·      Trauma from childhood can shape our

·      Self-acceptance is key to healing and

·      Spiritual practices can provide comfort

·      Astrology can help us understand our personalities

better.

·      Forgiveness is essential for personal

·      Community support plays a vital role in

·      Embracing both light and dark aspects of

·      Living in alignment with nature can

Links to Kate’s Organizations: 

www.linkedin.com/in/kate-dawes-43159a100/

www.decoachrecovery.com

www.empoweroutcomes.com

www.frontlinescommunity.com