I know transplant hell—yellow eyes, sepsis scares, rejection fears, the mental limbo after waking up with someone else's organ keeping you alive. Two transplants later, sober and fighting, but I still remember the grind.

Today's guest? Daniel Eadle, UK dad, husband, multi-genre drummer, and CEO of his heating business. Diagnosed at 19 with PSC (primary sclerosing cholangitis) and autoimmune hepatitis—a rare, no-fault liver killer—he shrugged it off for over a decade, built his life, started a family, and kept pushing. Then April 2025: full liver transplant, sepsis, infections, massive rejection bouts, six weeks in hospital, ATG nuking his immune system. But he prepped like a beast (gym, nutrition, Perspectum scans), leaned on wife/kids, and came back drumming, running his company, and advocating proactive care so others don't wait for crisis.

We talk raw:

• Diagnosis at 19 with just a leaflet—Google spiral terror
• 10 years grinding through flares, fatigue, yellow skin, varicose veins—still building business and family
• No-judgment compassion: Why he never judged "drinking" livers in hospital—everyone's fighting something
• Transplant call (three false alarms), high-risk surgery, mental crush no one preps you for
• Post-op rejection terror: "Didn't think I was coming out"
• Family fuel: Kids knowing everything, book "My Daddy Has Cirrhosis" to explain it all
• Second-chance clarity: More active dad, less regrets on the table

If you're facing chronic illness, waiting for transplant, supporting someone, or just need hope—this one's for you. Liver transplant's the same fight, alcohol or not.

If you find value in what im doing. A coffee helps :)

http://buymeacoffee.com/thewillpowerpodcast

Timestamps
00:00 – My transplant parallels & intro to Daniel
03:00 – Diagnosis at 19: Leaflet drop & shrugging it off
08:45 – 10-year grind: Business, family, hidden fatigue
14:20 – Jaundice stares & no-judgment on "drinking" livers
19:50 – Proactive prep: Gym beast mode & Perspectum scans
25:10 – Transplant call, high-risk surgery, mental fear
31:00 – Sepsis, rejection, six weeks hospital hell
37:40 – Post-transplant limbo & new normal
42:00 – Advice: Ask questions, don't be scared—there's hope

Drop your takeaway below: What's one thing you're fighting proactively today? Tag a warrior who needs this.

National Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP (24/7 free support)
Follow Daniel: IG @daniel.eadle | TikTok @dddrummer (drumming vibes)

PSC Support UK: pscsupport.org.uk
Perspectum (scans): perspectum.com

Subscribe for more raw recovery stories. Hit like/share if this hit. Much love,
Will Gordon
Two-time transplant survivor • Sober • Still here for you

Three years sober after a liver transplant that almost killed me... but the brain fog, guilt, and that constant pull back to chaos? Still real as hell.

In this raw convo with Dr. Tiff Thompson (PhD neuro, neurotherapy CEO, BCN/QEEG expert), we break down why shame and tough love backfire in addiction recovery, how your brain gets wired for cravings (low GABA profiles, dopaminergic burnout, default mode network traps), and how neurotherapy/neurostimulation can actually rewire the damage...no meds, no nonsense

We talk post-transplant fog, integrating your "shadow" old self, grieving lost identity, and starting with radical self-honesty. If you're sober but still struggling, or watching a loved one spiral, this hits home.

Timestamps:
0:00 - Cold Open: Moana's Monster – Acceptance Transforms Demons
1:00 - Intro & My Transplant/Family Fallout Hell
2:00 - Tiff's Journey: From Wind Farms to Neurotherapy Love
5:00 - Why Shame/Blame Creates Resistance (Moana Scene Deep Dive)
9:00 - Rock Bottom vs. Early Intervention with Curiosity
12:00 - Addiction Scratches the Itch It Created – Yin-Yang Loop
15:00 - Neurotherapy Explained: QEEG, Montages, Cutting Cravings/Withdrawal
20:00 - Brain Fog & Trauma Post-Transplant: Wear & Tear, 100% Recuperation Potential
25:00 - The "Torn Apart" Feeling: Old Chaotic Self vs. Higher Sober Self
30:00 - Low GABA Genetic Profile – Why 1 in 10 Are Wired for Alcohol/Anxiety
35:00 - Simple At-Home Start: See Yourself As You Are & Talk It Out
40:00 - Wrap-Up & Vulnerability = Connection

Would love your support 💚

buymeacoffee.com/thewillpowerpodcast

Links:

• School of Neurotherapy: https://www.schoolofneurotherapy.com
• Neurofield Neurotherapy Clinic: https://www.neurofieldneurotherapy.com
• Tiff Thompson: Search "Tiff Thompson Neurofield" for more

If this episode hits, like, subscribe, comment your biggest takeaway (what's still pulling you back?), and share with someone who needs it.

National Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357) – free, 24/7.

#Sobriety #AddictionRecovery #Neurotherapy #BrainFog #LiverTransplantRecovery #MentalHealth #WillpowerPodcast

Dan Sheridan (@mrsheridanshusband on TikTok, @danman147 on IG) shares the unfiltered story of drinking 18+ tins of Stella + 10 pints daily until liver failure nearly killed him.

From blackout mornings, vomiting, re-drinking, a suicide-level paracetamol/Stella plan, massive GI bleed ("blood everywhere like stigmata"), to being told "plan your funeral," Dan fought through 3 years sober while on/off the transplant list.

The miracle? Meeting his sober soulmate Claire on TikTok during end-stage liver disease-she researched live donation before even meeting him in person. They went from DMs to married in months, and he got his transplant just 1.5 months later.

This is raw, no-BS recovery: ego check in recovery, why non-alcoholic beer can still be dangerous, masking pain from your spouse, and why "a life without alcohol is better" isn't just words-it's survival.

If you're scared your drinking is heading toward liver failure, this is the episode for you.

If you find value in these episodes, Id love a coffee to show support. Thanks! 🙏

https://buymeacoffee.com/thewillpowerpodcast

Timestamps:

0:00 - Intro & Dan's origin

2:10 - The "hug that kills" - how alcohol tricks you

5:45 - Meeting Claire on TikTok during end-stage liver disease

8:58 - Warning signs ignored: shaking, jaundice too late

12:22 - Suicide attempt & "eyes shutting was best part of my day"

18:37 - GI bleed, 20% survival chance, "not today" defiance

23:45 - Diagnosis, willpower delusion, most critical patient

28:19 - 3 years sober pre-transplant - ego wake-up

36:29 - Transplant day: "I'm all better" moment

41:29 - Post-transplant reality: CMV, Crohn's, steroids, new normal

46:16 - Daily self-love check & non-denominational recovery

49:16 - Final advice: Stop waiting for the inevitable

Connect with Dan:

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mrsheridanshusband

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danman147/

If you're struggling, reach out:

National Helpline (US): 1-800-662-HELP (4357)

UK: Drinkline 0300 123 1110 or Alcohol Change UK

Subscribe for more real recovery stories. Hit like/share if this hit home. You're not alone. 💪

#SoberLife #RecoveryJourney #LiverTransplant #AlcoholRecovery

Andrew Mondragon — Marine veteran, dad, husband, oilfield worker — was diagnosed with end-stage liver disease in June 2025. Dropped from 317 to 190 lbs. MELD score 29. Accepted for liver transplant eval at OHSU. Still cracking jokes while fighting for his life and family.

He shares the raw truth: the first signs (back pain, yellow eyes, 14 liters of fluid drained), functional alcoholism (4 shots Fireball + 2 beers nightly), denial, shame, family guilt, Marine Corps influence on suppressing emotions, and his current optimism despite the waiting game.

If you're facing addiction, liver issues, or watching someone you love go through it then this episode is for you. Real, no sugarcoating, full of fight.

Trigger Warning: Liver failure, addiction, family impact, transplant discussion.
Help is available: 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) | 1-800-662-HELP (SAMHSA) | befrienders.org (international)

Timestamps:
00:00 – Intro & Andrew's Story
01:00 – First Signs (March 2025 – Back Pain & Yellow Eyes)
04:00 – Diagnosis: Decompensated Liver Cirrhosis
05:30 – Mental Fog, Fluid Buildup, MELD 29
07:00 – Andrew's Background: Marine Corps, Oil Fields, Sheriff
09:00 – Functional Alcoholism & Denial
12:00 – Transplant Reality & Survivor's Guilt
15:00 – Positive Outlook & Future Hope
18:00 – Family Impact & Kids
20:00 – The Waiting Game & Paracentesis
22:00 – Fears & Cellular Memory
25:00 – Message to Viewers Fighting Addiction

Follow Andrew: @komododrew (Instagram)
Support the channel ❤️
Free 30-min Sober Mentoring: https://calendly.com/thewillpowerpodcast/30min
Donate: https://buymeacoffee.com/willpowerpodcast

Subscribe, like, share if this hit home. More real stories coming.
#LiverTransplant #EndStageLiverDisease #SoberJourney #MarineVet #AddictionRecovery #WillpowerPodcast #MELDScore

Amber Hollingsworth (@puttheshoveldown), a master addiction counselor with 700k+ on YouTube, joins me to show families how to intervene early with compassion, not ultimatums or tough love.

We talk:

• The myth that “there’s nothing you can do”
• Functional alcoholism & enabling traps
• Real boundaries (rules for yourself, not control)
• Why waiting for rock bottom is dangerous
• Rebuilding trust after sobriety
• Hope for relapse (“it’s just a blip”)

If you’re a parent, spouse, or sibling feeling helpless, stuck, or like you’re enabling — this episode is for you. Amber breaks it down clearly and kindly.

If you or someone you love is struggling, help is available 24/7:

• US – 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: https://988lifeline.org (call/text/chat)

• US – SAMHSA National Helpline: https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline | 1-800-662-HELP

• Al-Anon (family support for alcoholism): https://al-anon.org

• Nar-Anon (family support for drug addiction): https://www.nar-anon.org

• Canada – 988 Crisis Line: https://988.ca

• Global helplines: https://www.befrienders.org

Full episode live Friday 2 PM EST.

Link in bio after drop.

Grateful to Amber for coming on and sharing this wisdom. ❤️

@puttheshoveldown

#FamilyRecovery #NoToughLove #BoundariesWithEmpathy #SoberJourney #AddictionRecovery #WillpowerPodcast

Ryan Barrett (@ryanbarrett90) should be dead multiple times over: molested at 8, buried the shame in death metal, rebellion, blackouts, hard drugs, a near-fatal car wreck (femur shattered in 7 places), suicide attempt, yellow eyes, and a blackout knife night that almost ended everything.

One morning he poured out his last glass of spiced rum, begged for help, and got sober for real. Now 2+ years sober, engaged, raising two kids, hitting the gym, restored faith in Jesus, bought a house, and uses his hell to help troubled youth every day.

This is raw, dark redemption - perfectly timed for anyone fighting the last third of Dry January or any day really. If you've ever felt hopeless, watch this.

Trigger Warning: Childhood trauma, suicide attempt, self-harm, addiction details. Help is available:

US: 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) | 1-800-662-HELP (SAMHSA)

Canada: 988 or text HOME to 741741

International: befrienders.org

Timestamps:

00:00 - Intro: From Molestation to Near-Death Multiple Times

01:00 - Age 8: Sexual Molestation & The Pact of Silence

03:00 - Rebellion, Death Metal, Weed → Booze → Harder Drugs

05:00 - Car Wreck at 19 (Femur Shattered) - Still Partied

07:00 - Self-Hate & Setting Himself Up for Punishment

09:00 - Suicide Attempt: Rope Around Neck, Phone Rings

12:00 - Blackout Knife Night: Waking Up in Blood

15:00 - Poured Out the Last Spiced Rum - Stopped Drinking That Day

17:00 - Living in Party House, No Urges, Found Meditation

20:00 - Relapse After 2+ Years: "I Thought I Could Moderate"

23:00 - Split for 3 Months - Got Sober Again

25:00 - Restoring Faith in Jesus & Church Community

28:00 - Helping Troubled Youth with His Own Hell

30:00 - Message to the Guy on Day 7 of Dry January

32:00 - If Blackout Ryan Saw This Life Now...

Follow Ryan: @ryanbarrett90 (Instagram - open book on recovery)

Support the channel ❤️ Every donation helps. Bless you all that donate🙏

Buy Me a Coffee:

https://www.buymeacoffee.com/willpowerpodcast

Subscribe, like, share if this hit home. More real stories coming.

#SoberJourney #DarkRedemption #RecoveryStory #DryJanuary #WillpowerPodcast #RyanBarrett

Mike Faria (@jerzeymike) shares his raw journey – from guilt over his cousin's drunk driving death, 5 years of daily drinking, to a 3-week coma in 2020 with yellow eyes, fluid buildup, kidneys failing, and doctors prepping his family for the worst.

He woke up anyway, got sober on August 23, 2022, rebuilt his body, his family, met the love of his life, and became the family man he always intended to be. Mike's the kind of guy who shares his story raw on Instagram to keep others alive.

This episode is real, no sugarcoating – grief, denial, rock bottom, the moment his son gave him purpose, and the miracle of his liver recovery. If you're struggling or know someone who is, this one's for you.

Trigger Warning: Coma, alcohol withdrawal, grief, self-harm ideation.

Help available:
US Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988
Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
SAMHSA Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
Canada: 988 (or 1-833-456-4566)

Timestamps:
00:00 – Intro & Mike's Early Chaos
00:58 – Guilt Over Cousin & Daily Drinking
03:36 – 5-Year Binge & Rock Bottom
05:16 – Son as Turning Point
07:45 – Darkest Night & Self-Destruction
09:29 – Morning of Reckoning (Yellow Eyes)
11:34 – 3-Week Coma & Waking Up
15:06 – Hope from Dr. Raquel
19:42 – Hospital Struggles & Compassion
25:14 – "You Can't Do It Alone" Message
26:57 – Surrender & The Lock Inside
29:45 – Life Now: Clarity & Pride
32:10 – Losses as Wins
34:39 – Closing & Where to Find Mike

Follow Mike: @jerzeymike (Instagram/Threads – raw sobriety inspiration)

Support the podcast ❤️
Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/willpowerpodcast

Sober Mentoring (free 30-min chat):

https://calendly.com/thewillpowerpodcast/30min

Subscribe, like, share if this moved you. More real stories coming.

Richard Ratcliffe (@the.recovery.club - 100k+ followers) joins the Willpower Podcast for a raw, heartfelt talk on his 9-year sober journey. From childhood shame and "wearing masks" to fit in, to daily 2 liters of vodka leading to seizures, an induced coma at 24, and doctors warning "you won't make 25" - Richard opens up about waking up angry to be alive, true surrender, turning grief into purpose through vulnerability and his "12 Steps to Freedom" blueprint.

Real wisdom on shame as a "backpack of boulders," early sobriety agony, codependency, and carrying your "shadow self" with kindness. If you're in recovery or loving someone who is, this is gold.

Trigger Warning: Discusses coma, seizures, grief, suicide ideation, addiction rock bottoms. If struggling:

US Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988

Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741

SAMHSA Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357)

Canada Suicide Prevention: 988 (or 1-833-456-4566)

Timestamps:

00:00 - Intro & Childhood Shame

05:09 - Alcohol as "Medicine"

10:09 - Daily Vodka & Internal Battle

13:24 - Induced Coma Rock Bottom

18:31 - Shame Lives in Silence

26:20 - Surrender & New Way of Life

33:28 - Early Sobriety Agony

37:17 - Deeper Wounds: Abandonment & Codependency

42:07 - Speed Round: Addiction Lies & Myths

47:44 - Grief, Purpose & Why We Share

Follow Richard: @the.recovery.club (DM "freedom" for his blueprint)

His book: 12 Steps to Freedom (link in comments)

Support the podcast ❤️

Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/willpowerpodcast (active - every coffee keeps these stories coming!)

Sober Mentoring:

https://calendly.com/thewillpowerpodcast/30min

Subscribe, like, share if this moved you. More real recovery ahead.

Chester Alarie, a 34-year-old musician from Montreal, opens up about his 17-year battle with drugs and alcohol that led to depression, multiple rock bottoms, a near-fatal overdose, and alcohol withdrawal in January 2024.

FULL DISCLOSURE> YOU WILL ABSOLUTELY WANT TO LISTEN TO THE END. THIS EPISODE IS AS ENTERTAINING AS A RECOVERY PODCAST CAN GET!

After rehab, relapses, and finally working the 12 steps, Chester is now 9 months sober, happier than ever, and making music full-time. This conversation is raw, honest, and full of hope – from the darkest moments to finding joy sober on stage.

Trigger Warning: This episode discusses overdose, withdrawal, suicide attempts, and other heavy topics. If you're struggling, please reach out for help.

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (US): 988

Crisis Text Line (US): Text HOME to 741741

Canada Suicide Prevention Service: 988 (or 1-833-456-4566)

SAMHSA National Helpline (US): 1-800-662-HELP (4357)

Timestamps:

00:00 – Near Fatal Overdose & Withdrawal

02:46 – Early Struggles & Depression

07:55 – Rock Bottoms Begin

17:21 – Loss & Grief

24:16 – The OD That Changed Everything

38:54 – Relapses & Moderation Lies

49:18 – Happiest Sober Moment (Crying on Stage)

1:01:11 – Comparison is the Thief of Joy

Connect with Chester: Instagram: @chester_alarie

Connect with Will: https://www.instagram.com/thewillpowerpodcast

Support the podcast (if you feel called): Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/willpowerpodcast (active & appreciated ❤️)

Need someone to talk to? My 1-on-1 mentoring → https://calendly.com/thewillpowerpodcast/30min

🧥 RCVR Apparel → Rock recovery-inspired gear with pride. Save 10% with code WILLPOWER10 at https://rcvrbrand.com

💊 LiverMedic Supplements → Feel your best with natural liver support. Use code WILL10 for 10% off at https://liverlifesupplements.com

🎤 AMPLIFY Sober Voices (Jan 15, 2026) → Join sober creators at Podfest 2026. Get $20 off with code WILLPOWER20 at https://amplify.soberliferocks.com

📚 Shortform (reading made easy) → Dig deeper into recovery books! Sign up at https://shortform.com/twpp and get a FREE TRIAL + $50 OFF your annual subscription.

If this episode helped you or someone you know, hit subscribe and share it. More real stories coming soon.

Thank you for being part of this community.

And a VERY HAPPY NEW YEAR! I believe 2026 will be OUR BEST yet! Thanks for being apart of this community! It means the world ✊

#Sobriety #RecoveryStory #AlcoholAddiction #OverdoseSurvival #SoberMusician #12Steps #RockBottom #SoberLife #AddictionRecovery #MentalHealth #WillpowerPodcast #Sober2026 #RelapseToRecovery #SoberJourney

What's up everyone, Will Gordon here from The Willpower Podcast. This one's a banger – sat down with Quebec country rocker Rick Duff @Duff.yeehaw, who's 6 months sober and absolutely crushing it with his debut album Forever Reckless.

Rick lays it all out: going from bricklayer to Canada's got talent show finale overnight, the wild party days in his 20s, those "loser birds" chirping after all-nighters, getting hammered through five straight shows and knowing he was letting fans down... that was his wake-up call to quit booze and drugs for good.

We get deep on the guilt, the crossroads moment,surprising confidence from stacking sober days, sober hacks for touring, and turning massive pain – including losing his best friend Matthew to addiction – into therapy on tracks. Album's dedicated to him, man. Songs like "Reckless" and "Ford Ranger" hit hard.

If you're grinding through quitting drinking, battling addiction, or just need some real talk on mental health and showing up better – this is the one. Rick's proof you can flip the script and give your best self to the people who believe in you.

Timestamps:

00:00 - Cold open hook + Quebec weather banter

02:26 - Fame explosion from TV show

03:44 - Rock bottom: 5 wasted nights on stage

07:07 - The moment booze was stealing his voice

10:02 - Loser birds & choosing sobriety

17:21 - Losing Matthew & the album dedication

26:07 - Sober touring hacks 28:23 - Motivation from other artists/books

30:13 - What's next for Rick

34:25 - Rick's final words

Stream Forever Reckless everywhere and follow Rick:

• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4MNUaMf0Yl05yY6x342xBH
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rickduffmusic/
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@rickduffmusic
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Duff.yeehaw
• Website: https://rickduffmusic.com/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DUFFOFFICIEL/

Hit subscribe if these stories fire you up – we're building a community of people stacking wins and getting after it sober. Drop a comment if Rick's story hit home.

If you're getting value from the show and want to help me keep grinding these episodes full-time (editing two a day sometimes takes all day!), a coffee on BuyMeACoffee means the world: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/willpowerpodcast

Other ways to support (keeps the lights on while I chase this dream):

• RCVR gear: https://rcvrbrand.com/
• LiverMedic supplements: https://livermedic.com/
• AMPLIFY Sober events: https://amplify.soberliferocks.com/

Thanks for being here, fam. Let's keep the willpower rolling.