In this episode, originally from the Nature Untold Podcast, Emily Holland talks with professional chit-chatter and word nerd, pow-hunting enthusiast, dog dad, and self-described addict, Paddy O’Connell. Paddy spent much of his adult life in repetitive cycles of addiction and pain, which all came to a head when he was 29. His story includes depression and trauma, but it also includes laughter and pure, joyful moments. He works every day at his sobriety and strives to show others how beautiful sobriety can truly be.

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In this episode, we discuss:

The Marvel universe (no, that’s not a typo)

What life was like growing up in an Irish family in Chicago

Where he got ‘the gift of gab’

Eruptions of unadulterated joy

The moments that led up to Paddy confronting his addictions

The importance of supportive and loving community

His experience with a treatment facility

How he came into recovery to finally get a rest, but came out with the opportunity for a truly joyful and freeing life

Why the most dangerous words in the English language are ‘I got this’

How the outdoor community should celebrate vulnerability as much as we celebrate sending it

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Books:

Between The World And Me

White Fragility

60 Meters To Anywhere

Magazines:

Freeskier

Adventure Journal

Writer:

Steve Casimiro

How to catch up with Paddy:

Instagram

Website

Thank you, as always, for listening to this episode. Please free free to follow along on the show’s Instagram, our private Facebook group, or wherever you’d like.