Join me on TheWillpowerPodcast as I sit down with Michael Conklin, a powerhouse in addiction recovery with an incredible 17-year sobriety journey. From a 25-year career in the food service industry to founding Better Beginning Now, Michael’s story is a testament to transformation. As a certified recovery coach and Jay Shetty-trained life coach, he offers a no-nonsense approach to help others find purpose and abundance, donating 50% of proceeds to the recovery community.

In this raw and real conversation, we dive into:

📍 00:00 Intro – Meet Michael Conklin 🌟

📍 04:45 The Moment His Old Life Ended 💔

📍 14:42 How He Rebuilt with Connection 🤝

📍 26:48 Overcoming Relapse & Selfishness 🚀

📍 39:30 The Power of Vulnerability in Recovery 💡

📍 50:00 Life Lessons from COVID & Beyond 🌱

📍 01:02:00 Where to Find Michael & Join His Community 🌐

Michael shares how a marriage breakdown at 10 years sober forced him to reconnect, how COVID sparked a new path, and why “get connected, stay connected, help others” is his secret to success. His lived experience and practical wisdom challenge traditional recovery, offering hope to anyone struggling.

💙 Support The Show:

TheWillpowerPodcast is a solo gig—I handle it all from recording to editing. If you find value here, please support me:

https://buymeacoffee.com/thewillpowerpodcast

Connect with Michael Conklin:

🌐 Instagram: @betterbeginningnow

📘 Facebook Group: Better Beginning Now (link in Instagram bio)

Follow The Willpower Podcast:

📱 Instagram: @thewillpowerpodcast

🎥 YouTube: @thewillpowerpodcast

🎙️ Spotify/Apple Podcasts: Search “TheWillpowerPodcast with Will Gordon”

#SobrietyTips #AddictionRecovery #HowToStaySober #RecoveryJourney #SoberCommunity #AddictionHelp #SobrietyStories #RecoveryPodcast #MichaelConklin #BetterBeginningNow

From performing at Abbey Road Studios to earning a PhD from Oxford to sleeping in Manchester's trash bins - Dr. Robb Kelly's journey is a masterclass in transformation. Known as the "Gordon Ramsay of Addiction" for his no-nonsense approach, Dr. Kelly revolutionized addiction treatment through neuroscience and raw honesty. Now based in Texas, Dr. Kelly combines neuroscience, behavioral psychology, and his own lived experience to offer a unique perspective on recovery. His methods challenge traditional addiction treatment, boasting significantly higher success rates than conventional approaches. His practice spans five locations worldwide, where he works with everyone from celebrities to CEOs to everyday people struggling with addiction. His work includes pioneering research on PTSD in addiction, innovative subliminal messaging techniques, and the development of the groundbreaking "9D" therapy approach.

Dr. Kelly's extraordinary leading voice in addiction recovery proves his core belief: that 100% recovery is possible for anyone, regardless of how far they've fallen. Today, he continues to push the boundaries of addiction treatment while maintaining that the key to recovery lies not in the substance, but in healing our thinking patterns and childhood trauma.

In this powerful conversation, we explore:

00:00 Introduction & Rock Bottom Story

08:42 The Moment Everything Changed

14:54 Why Addiction Treatment Is Failing

23:56 The Neuroscience Behind Recovery

32:35 From Homeless to Healing Thousands

40:18 Breaking the Family Cycle

48:37 The Truth About Sobriety

52:21 Three Steps to Change Your Life Tomorrow

Dr. Kelly shares the exact moment he realized "The problem isn't our drinking - it's our thinking," and why this insight has helped thousands recover. As someone who nearly died from addiction myself, this conversation gets to the heart of what real transformation requires.

💙 Support The Show:

TheWillpowerPodcast is a solo operation - I handle everything from research to editing to publishing. If you find value in these episodes, please consider supporting the show

https://buymeacoffee.com/thewillpowerpodcast

Connect with Dr. Robb Kelly:

🌐 Website: robbkelly.com

📱 Instagram: @addiction_doctor

Follow The Willpower Podcast:

📱 Instagram: @thewillpowerpodcast

🎥 YouTube: @thewillpowerpodcast

Special Offer: First 5 viewers to message Dr. Kelly mentioning this episode will receive a signed copy of his book "Daddy, Daddy, Please Stop Drinking"

#AddictionRecovery #Sobriety #MentalHealth #PersonalDevelopment #Recovery #WillpowerPodcast #Transformation #DrRobbKelly #AddictionTreatment #RecoveryPodcast

🎙️ TheWillpowerPodcast - Ep. #30 Watch how Steven Celi @BeTheEnergySteve combines high-energy coaching with hip-hop culture to help people break free from their fears! In this episode, we explore the journey from self-doubt to self-expression, why vulnerability is your superpower, and how to tap into your unique energy frequency. Steven shares his transformation from a shy kid trying to dunk to becoming a transformational coach helping others unleash their authentic selves.

💙 Support The Show:

TheWillpowerPodcast is a solo operation - I handle everything from research to editing to publishing. If you find value in these episodes, please consider supporting the show

https://buymeacoffee.com/thewillpowerpodcast

⏱️ TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 Welcome & Introduction

03:42 From Short Kid to Motivational Speaker

06:24 The Energy Transformation Journey

09:22 Following Life's Excitement

12:00 Breaking Through Fear Barriers

14:54 Hip-Hop Meets Personal Development

17:46 Understanding Energy & Addiction

20:36 Daily Energy Practices Revealed

23:56 The "Energy First" Philosophy

26:39 Navigating Life's Challenging Times

29:49 The Power of Authentic Vulnerability

32:35 Finding Your Inspiration

36:50 Overcoming Fear Through Action

40:18 Connecting Passion with Purpose

🔑 KEY MOMENTS:

• Steven's journey from corporate life to energy coaching

• Why following excitement leads to transformation

• Breaking free from self-limiting beliefs

• The power of vulnerability in personal growth

• Using hip-hop as a tool for self-expression

• Daily practices for maintaining high energy

👋 CONNECT WITH US:

Will Gordon (Host):

• Instagram: @thewillpowerpodcast

• YouTube: @thewillpowerpodcast

https://www.instagram.com/thewillpowerpodcast/

Steven Celi (Guest):

• Instagram: @betheenergysteve

https://www.instagram.com/betheenergysteve/

• Website: stevenceli.com

@BeTheEnergySteve

💡 MENTIONED:

• Ross Edgeley's Documentary

• Joe Dispenza's "Breaking the Habit of Being Yourself"

• Ram Dass "Be Here Now" (A MUST HAVE BOOK IN MY OPINION!)

🎯 SUBSCRIBE for weekly episodes on personal development, overcoming addiction, and living your best life!

#PersonalDevelopment #Motivation #SelfDiscovery #Authenticity #PersonalGrowth #Coaching #Inspiration #Vulnerability #Energy #HipHop #WillpowerPodcast #PersonalTransformation #MotivationalSpeaking #SelfHelp #MindsetCoach #TonyRobbins #HipHopCulture #BreakingFree #EnergyCoaching #Mindfulness #MensWork #Transformation #SpeakYourTruth #AuthenticLiving #PersonalPower

As someone who received a second chance through a liver and kidney transplant, I love sharing stories that show recovery is possible. Today, I sit down with Megan Popp, a family nurse practitioner and ultra runner who brings a unique perspective to the recovery conversation - she's both a healthcare provider AND someone in recovery. 🙏

💙 Support The Show:

TheWillpowerPodcast is a solo operation - I handle everything from research to editing to publishing. If you find value in these episodes, please consider supporting the show

https://buymeacoffee.com/thewillpowerpodcast

⏱️ EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:

0:00 Welcome & Introduction

3:20 Megan's Journey to Recovery 🌱

5:48 Empathy in Healthcare: A Provider's View 🏥

8:40 Breaking the Stigma of Alcoholism 💫

11:01 Understanding Alcohol Use Disorder

13:44 Impact of COVID on Recovery 🌍

16:38 Ultra Running & Recovery: Finding Strength 🏃‍♀️

19:34 The Last Drink: A Life-Changing Moment ✨

22:19 Spiritual Awakening & Healing 🙏

25:45 Balancing Life in Sobriety

27:32 Power of Structure & Routine 📝

29:20 Mindfulness & Meditation Practices 🧘‍♀️

33:21 Navigating Relationships in Recovery ❤️

35:03 Emotional Growth & Coping Strategies

37:46 Future Goals & Service to Others 🌟

39:28 Reflecting on Past Struggles

46:28 Changing Addiction Treatment Narrative 💡

As always, I'm sharing these conversations to show that transformation is possible. Whether you're struggling with addiction or supporting someone who is, this episode offers hope and practical insights from both sides of the healthcare system. 🤝

Follow Megan: @meganileen3

https://www.instagram.com/meganeileen3/?hl=en

Follow The Willpower Podcast:

https://www.instagram.com/thewillpowerpodcast/

Join our growing community! Like, subscribe, and share your story below. 🙌

#RecoveryPodcast #SoberLife #TransplantSurvivor #MentalHealth #AddictionRecover

In this exciting episode of TheWillpowerPodcast, former MLB pitcher Brandon Puffer shares his incredible journey from the heights of Major League Baseball to the depths of addiction and imprisonment, and ultimately to redemption.

Brandon opens up about:

- His MLB career including time with the San Diego Padres and Boston Red Sox

- The power of second chances and redemption

- Building GPS Legends Baseball from the ground up

- Mentoring the next generation of players

- Maintaining 17 years of sobriety

- Writing his inspirational book "From the Bullpen to the State Pen"

- Finding purpose in helping others

- The importance of faith in recovery

💙 Support The Show:

TheWillpowerPodcast is a solo operation - I handle everything from research to editing to publishing. If you find value in these episodes, please consider supporting the show

https://buymeacoffee.com/thewillpowerpodcast

This episode demonstrates that no matter how far we fall, recovery and redemption are possible.

⏰ TIMESTAMPS:

0:00 - Intro: The Mental Game of MLB Relief Pitching

2:21 - Brandon's Early Life & Baseball Dreams

3:50 - First Signs of Addiction

9:00 - The Red Sox World Series Ring Story

15:29 - The Night Everything Changed

19:16 - Prison Sentence & Self-Reflection

26:34 - Starting Over as a Maintenance Man

33:53 - Public Speaking & Sharing His Story

34:32 - Maintaining 17 Years of Sobriety

40:27 - GPS Legends & Giving Back to Baseball

Connect with Brandon:

https://www.instagram.com/coachpuffpositive/

Website: https://coachpuffpositive.com/

Book: From the Bullpen to the State Pen (Available on Amazon)

Follow The Willpower Podcast:

https://www.instagram.com/thewillpowerpodcast/

#RecoveryIsPossible #BaseballMentorship #SobrietyJourney #YouthSports #FaithAndRecovery

Feeling the Dry January pressure? You're not alone. In this timely episode, award-winning addiction expert Faust Ruggiero shares 40 years of treatment wisdom on how to make sobriety stick - whether you're 15 days into Dry January or just starting your journey. His practical, experience-based approach cuts through the noise to give you real tools for success. As president of the Community Psychological Center and author of the Fix Yourself series, Faust brings decades of insights from counseling thousands of clients through their recovery journeys.

💙 Support The Show:

TheWillpowerPodcast is a solo operation - I handle everything from research to editing to publishing. If you find value in these episodes, consider supporting the show on Buy Me a Coffee

https://buymeacoffee.com/thewillpowerpodcast

Your support helps keep this resource available for others on their recovery journey. Thank you! 🙏

⏱️ Episode Guide:

0:00 - Essential advice for anyone starting their sobriety journey

4:18 - Understanding physical addiction (and why willpower isn't enough)

7:00 - How addiction changes your personality

11:25 - The Process Way of Life Model explained

15:22 - Breaking down addiction myths

17:58 - Why our culture is obsessed with alcohol

22:01 - Managing anxiety without substances 🧠

26:54 - The real impact of alcohol on your health

31:44 - Current trends: Alcohol vs. Marijuana

37:19 - Practical advice for maintaining sobriety

🔑 Key Insights:

Why understanding the physical aspects of addiction changes everything

How to manage anxiety without substances

The truth about cultural attitudes toward alcohol

Science-based approaches to lasting change

Building effective support systems

💡 Powerful Quote: "Don't keep it a secret. Don't think you can do it on your own. Build a network."

🌟 Need Support?

Whether you're 15 days into Dry January or just starting your journey, you're not alone. Build your support network:

Connect with healthcare providers

Find local support groups

Consider professional counseling

📚 Connect with Faust:

https://www.faustruggiero.com/

🎯 Follow The Willpower Podcast:

https://www.instagram.com/thewillpowerpodcast/

#DryJanuary #Recovery #Addiction #Sobriety #MentalHealth #AddictionRecovery #TheWillpowerPodcast #SobrietyHelp #RecoveryJourney #AnxietySupport

This week's introspective conversation with Robbie Pike explores addiction, authenticity, and finding real purpose in recovery. From using running and substances to escape life to discovering true freedom on the trails, Robbie's story shows how getting honest with ourselves opens the door to genuine transformation.

💙 IT WOULD MEAN THE WORLD TO ME IF YOU CONSIDERED SUPPORTING THE SHOW. I DO EVERY PART OF THE PODCAST ON MY OWN AND IT WOULD JUST MEAN SO MUCH--THANK YOU! 🙏

https://buymeacoffee.com/thewillpowerpodcast

🎯 Episode Highlights:

00:00 Intro

02:34 Early Signs of Addiction

14:25 The Moment Everything Changed

20:15 Cross-Addiction in Recovery

35:40 Finding True Purpose in Running

42:30 Present Moment Peace

🎙️ About Robbie:

Co-host of Golden Hour Adventures podcast and trail running advocate, Robbie shares how stepping away from his identity as a runner helped him find authentic connection with the sport - and himself.

🔑 Key Topics:

- Transforming unhealthy coping mechanisms

- Breaking free from people-pleasing

- Finding purpose beyond addiction

- Mindful running and recovery

- Building authentic connections

★Follow Robbie:

Instagram: @runsthesehills65

https://www.instagram.com/runshills605/

Podcast: Golden Hour Adventures

🎯 CONNECT WITH ME:

https://www.instagram.com/thewillpowerpodcast/

https://linktr.ee/thewillpowerpodcast

#SoberLife #Recovery #UltraRunning #MentalHealth #TrailRunning #thewillpowerpodcast #SoberCurious

In this powerful episode of TheWillpowerPodcast, I sit down with Shawn Livingston (@iam.shawnlivingston), a combat veteran whose journey from addiction to redemption will leave you speechless. From facing 20 years in prison to becoming an ultra-marathon runner and inspiration to thousands, Shawn's story proves that change is possible.

Shawn Livingston is the host of the "I Am Redemption" podcast and subject of the documentary "100 Miles to Redemption." Inspired by Lance Armstrong. His story of transformation from addiction to becoming an ultra-runner and recovery advocate has inspired thousands. As a combat veteran who overcame severe addiction, his message of hope and resilience resonates with anyone facing their own battles.

💙 PLEASE CONSIDER SUPPORTING THE SHOW:

Love these recovery conversations? Help keep them going:

https://buymeacoffee.com/thewillpowerpodcast

🔥 IN THIS EPISODE:

00:00 Intro

03:45 Early Days & Life-Changing Accident

08:20 Military Service & Descent into Addiction

15:30 Rock Bottom & The Wake-Up Call

22:15 Finding Running & Transformation

35:40 The Making of "100 Miles to Redemption"

42:30 Message to Those Struggling

49:15 Building the I Am Redemption Movement

★ WATCH "100 MILES TO REDEMPTION" on Amazon Prime

https://www.amazon.com/gp/video/detail/B0B18DPRZ1/ref=atv_dp_share_cu_r

🎯 CONNECT WITH SHAWN:

https://www.instagram.com/iam.redemption/

https://www.instagram.com/iam.shawnlivingston/

https://www.youtube.com/@IAm.Redemption

🎯 CONNECT WITH ME:

https://www.instagram.com/thewillpowerpodcast/

https://linktr.ee/thewillpowerpodcast

#Recovery #Transformation #UltraRunning #Redemption #Veterans #Sobriety #Inspiration #RunningCommunity #MentalHealth #Podcast

Perfect timing for the holidays: Recovery expert Corey Warren https://www.youtube.com/@icoreywarren shares raw truth about maintaining sobriety during the most challenging time of year. From his journey through multiple rock bottoms to running 13 recovery facilities, Corey offers game-changing insights about why the holidays trigger us and how to stay strong.

💙 PLEASE CONSIDER SUPPORTING THE SHOW:

Love these recovery conversations? Help keep them going:

https://buymeacoffee.com/thewillpowerpodcast

🎯 KEY MOMENTS:

00:00 Holiday Boundaries & Self-Protection Strategies

05:35 The Party Guy Identity Trap

15:45 Multiple Rock Bottoms & Real Recovery

28:30 The Truth About Social Media & Anxiety

42:15 Essential Holiday Survival Guide

💡 DEEP DIVE TOPICS:

- Why alcohol is society's accepted escape

- The "normal drinker" myth during holidays

- Finding your authentic self beyond substances

- Managing family dynamics sober

- Breaking the cycle of validation-seeking

- The power of vulnerability in recovery

- Transforming rock bottom into purpose

- The trap of "functioning alcoholic" identity

🎄 HOLIDAY SURVIVAL TOOLKIT:

- Creating your escape plan

- Setting non-negotiable boundaries

- Understanding your triggers

- Building genuine support systems

- Putting recovery before obligations

- Dealing with family pressures

📱 Follow Corey:

Corey Warren (@icoreywarren)

https://www.youtube.com/@UC_VnbZjKcjoI7Ri2zaczksA

🎙 FOLLOW THE WILLPOWER PODCAST:

Instagram: @thewillpowerpodcast

https://www.instagram.com/thewillpowerpodcast/

Remember: "Nobody else is in rehab with you when you go." Put your recovery first this holiday season. Your sobriety matters more than any party or gathering. 🙏

#HolidaySobriety #RecoveryPodcast #AddictionRecovery #SoberHolidays #BoundariesInRecovery #FamilyRecovery #SoberLife #MentalHealth #ChristmasSober #RecoveryCoach #SoberCommunity #WillpowerPodcast #RecoveryJourney #SoberMovement #HolidayAnxiety

From drinking on the streets at 14 to becoming a transformation coach who wakes up at 5am - Lee's story shows that rock bottom can become the foundation for an incredible life. In this raw conversation, we explore childhood trauma, hitting multiple rock bottoms, and finding purpose through fitness and sobriety.

🎯 KEY MOMENTS:

00:00 The Power of a Child's Pride and Introduction

03:35 Starting to Drink at 14

06:45 Homeless at 16 - The Dark Years

15:30 Rock Bottom & Suicide Attempts

20:15 Finding Purpose Through Fitness

31:40 The Moment Everything Changed

38:20 Building a New Identity

42:10 Message to Those Struggling

💪 TOPICS COVERED:

- Breaking generational cycles

- Using fitness as recovery

- Parent-child relationships in recovery

- Transforming rock bottom into strength

- Morning routines that changed everything

- Finding purpose in helping others

🔔 JOIN THE WILLPOWER COMMUNITY:

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

Please Consider Supporting the Show: https://buymeacoffee.com/thewillpowerpodcast

📱 CONNECT WITH LEE:

Instagram: @sobafitlegacy

💡 Remember: Your greatest chapter isn't behind you - it's waiting to be written.

#RecoveryStories #SobrietyPodcast #AddictionRecovery #TransformationStory #SoberLife #FitnessTransformation #MentalHealth #PersonalDevelopment #SoberCommunity #WillpowerPodcast #RecoveryCoach #SoberDad #MensHealth #MorningRoutine #FitnessMotivation #SoberLifestyle #Wellness #MindsetShift #SelfImprovement #MentalHealthAwareness