In this episode of the Finding New Waters Podcast, host B. Reeves is joined by Michael Gilpin, alongside New Waters Recovery CEO Justin McClendon, for an honest and deeply reflective conversation about trauma, recovery, consulting, and the work that continues long after sobriety begins.

Michael shares his journey through addiction, long-term recovery, and the moment he realized that being sober wasn’t enough. He opens up about hitting an emotional breaking point years into recovery, confronting unresolved trauma, and choosing to do the deeper work that ultimately reshaped his life and purpose.

This episode dives into the realities of working in the mental health and recovery field, the importance of separating personal recovery from professional roles, and why families often need as much support as the individual struggling. Michael also explains what a treatment consultant actually does, how families get “unstuck,” and why long-term guidance can make all the difference.

The conversation also explores trauma-informed care, adolescent and young adult treatment, and Michael’s work with The Guest House at Ocala, a nationally respected trauma and addiction program.

This episode is thoughtful, raw, and deeply human, especially for anyone who believes sobriety is the finish line, rather than the beginning.

⏱️ Chapters

00:00 Introduction

02:00 Early days in the recovery field

05:00 Work identity vs personal recovery

08:00 Helping others without losing yourself

12:00 What a treatment consultant really does

16:00 Family systems and long-term guidance

20:00 Adolescents, young adults, and trauma

24:00 When sobriety isn’t enough

28:00 Hitting a breaking point years into recovery

32:00 Trauma intensives and deeper healing

36:00 Responsibility, purpose, and recovery

40:00 The role of community and belonging

44:00 The Guest House at Ocala explained

48:00 Final reflections and connection

🔑 Key Topics Covered

• Trauma and long-term recovery

• When sobriety isn’t the finish line

• Treatment consulting explained

• Family systems and support

• Adolescent and young adult treatment

• Professional recovery vs personal recovery

• Community, purpose, and responsibility

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Website: www.findingnewwaters.com

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Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/finding-new-waters/id1684075608

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