Austin is a dude I've never met. Before this podcast, I'd never heard Austin's voice and knew almost nothing of his story. But on a whim, we connected and recorded this episode. And, being honest, you won't believe where it goes.

We talk about it all: Mental Health, Addiction, Anxiety, Depression, Resilience, Transformation, Football Injury, Radio Commercial, Mount Air Iowa, Opioid Addiction, Career Paths, Anxiety Coping, Identity Change, Manufacturing Image, Friendships, Mental Health Challenges, Rock Bottom, Authenticity, Support, Normal 40 Highway and my book, The Trade.

This is an incredible journey with our guest, Austin Moore, who opens up about his life-altering experiences and struggles. Austin shares the story of his life, from his humble beginnings on a farm, his Division I football career, and the injury that derailed it all.

Listen as he shares how he battled addiction, despair, and suicidal thoughts and eventually found the courage -- a friend and a strand -- to ask for help and redefine his life. His story is a testament to resilience, proving that even in the darkest times, help is out there, and change is possible.

Austin doesn't shy away from discussing his personal challenges in detail, providing an intimate look at the emotional and practical impacts of a career-ending injury, the anxiety he battled, and how he turned to alcohol to cope. Discover how he navigated his way out of the darkness, with help from an unexpected radio commercial and a dude named Matt, and how his transformation led him to a newfound purpose in life.

Austin's story is a testament to the power of resilience and serves as a reminder that it's never too late to make a change.

Conversations don't come along less scripted than this. But you'll leave here knowing a little more about Austin and a lot more about addiction and how you can show up for yourself -- and for others around you -- who might be going through it.

You can connect with Austin here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/austinmoore1/

You can learn more about Lon Stroschein and Normal40.com right here:
https://linktr.ee/lon.stroschein

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit normal40.substack.com