The Payoff - Stories of Sobriety

Tony Mandarich was drafted second in the 1989 NFL Draft. Around that same time, he appeared on Late Night with David Letterman and almost fought Mike Tyson. As time moved on, his name became synonymous with steroids and his NFL career was over before it really ever got going. But while people focused on steroid use as the reason for his downfall, he was actually mainlining pain killers in the midst of a harrowing addiction. Then he bottomed out, got sober, and made an NFL comeback that included a starting role for more than three seasons. Today, he's nearly 27 years sober and a total inspiration. Tony is also funny and terribly interesting. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X9O9NTvXUk0 https://www.espnfrontrow.com/2019/04/schaap-tells-the-tale-of-tony-mandarich-on-eve-of-nfl-draft/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Pete talks to John Bukaty, a live performance artist of his journey of sobriety. Check more of John's work at www.johnbukaty.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Gold Medal Figure Skater Oksana Baiul celebrates two years of sobriety with Pete Sousa as she discusses her journey of sobriety! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Laura Taylor's story is one of both personal and entrepreneurial transformation. After making the difficult decision to quit drinking, she quickly discovered how isolating it could feel in social settings without a cocktail in hand. This experience led her to create Mingle Mocktails, a brand that celebrates choice and fosters inclusivity, allowing anyone to feel part of the party, drink or not. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nick Klos is engaging, charismatic and inspiring.  He's also four years sober and has become a friend of Pete's over the last few years.  One of the most compelling aspects of Nick's story is the fact that he was able to get sober at 21-years old, after hitting bottom as a senior in college.  He stayed in school but, most importantly, ran toward recovery.  He's also an up and coming play-by-play broadcaster and a great dude to listen to! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Britt’s inspirational keynote speeches are centered around his personal story and experiences and how his poor life choices have taught him to overcome negative consequences and focus on finding the power within to be the positive change. Britt credits his change to utilizing the four pillars of success; a philosophy he learned from his father, Andy Reid. Socials: https://www.brittspeaks.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Pete talks to Hamza Najam, a certified breathwork teacher, and recovery coach about his journey of alcoholism and sobriety in Pakistan. Instagram: hamzanajam.sobrietycoaching Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@breathesober.sobrietye-mail: connect@breathesober.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A distinguished doctor of physical therapy, author, speaker, and advocate for holistic wellness. Pete talks to Dr. Samantha Harte on her journey of sobriety. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Pete returns to KWTX in the segment: Pod People, to discuss his podcast and his journey of sobriety. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Bill Sibley is 35 years sober and his music and message personify the trip from hopeless alcoholic to accomplished, fulfilled human. https://open.spotify.com/artist/0EZA2GZrJ3yIabwIj0Wws8 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vUl97NVWO80 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How sobriety saved his life and why the Wilson Smith Golf League has been a key component to his recovery. https://wilsonsmithgolf.org/ https://www.instagram.com/andrewwilliamaddy?igsh=MXhlMmx0Y3pveWg4 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Taken from Sober Motivation: Quitting Alcohol And Getting Sober Changed Everything for Madeline, Pete and Mary Updates. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mike had it all but couldn't see it through his addiction. Now, six years sober, he's got a life beyond his wildest dreams and a message that is both wildly entertaining and full of inspiration and integrity. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Investigative journalist Claire St. Amant is the host of the true crime podcast, Final Days on Earth and the author of the upcoming memoir, Killer Story, to be released in 2025 by BenBella Books. She also grew up in a culture of drinking, and managed to navigate out of it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Christian Countzler is the CEO of Stable Recovery; a safe & stable living environment for men in early recovery. Stable Recovery is a peer-driven therapeutic community with a focus on equine-related employment opportunities. While participating in our recovery housing program, residents will attend the School of Horsemanship at Taylor Made Farm. Stable Recovery is just as remarkable as Christian’s story! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Arlina is a Certified Life & Sober Coach and Hypnotist, and host of an “award-winning” podcast: The One Day At A Time Recovery Podcast”. She is the founder of Sober Life School where she works with women to achieve sobriety, and create a life they love. Arlina is a Certified Life & Sober Coach and Hypnotist, and host of an “award-winning” podcast: The One Day At A Time Recovery Podcast”. She is the founder of Sober Life School where she works with women to achieve sobriety, and create a life they love. Founder of Sober Life School Host of The One Day At A Time Podcast Author of “The 12 Step Guide For Skeptics” https://www.soberlifeschool.com/ https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DKBB4NFH?ref=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_Y2X492KKM6WC3GTHYFRF_1&ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_Y2X492KKM6WC3GTHYFRF_1&social_share=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_Y2X492KKM6WC3GTHYFRF_1&starsLeft=1&skipTwisterOG=1&dplnkId=ed038de4-5c54-43a3-b02b-31cec80b6206&nodl=1 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

John Delong, a retired sports writer living in Charlotte, North Carolina, has completed his new book, “And My Name Is John: The Blessings of Sobriety”: a compilation of almost four decades of experience, strength and hope in the 12-step recovery community. Author John Delong spent twenty-one years working for the Winston-Salem Journal, covering the NBA’s Charlotte Hornets for twelve years and the NFL’s Carolina Panthers for six and, at other times, covering college basketball, college football, and professional golf and tennis.  https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/and-my-name-is-john-john-delong/1145443519 https://www.amazon.com/-/es/John-Delong-ebook/dp/B0D45VP66M/ref=sr_1_2?__mk_es_US=%C3%85M%C3%85%C5%BD%C3%95%C3%91&crid=3972DYYCRKLV4&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.perQQX7dayVHM1s3XsXMy5dVKVnUkUWff53chFO8aYQb0C6D_BnEJerzOe3mHlrJlgtCglX1SZO221lDixl62h4ox3oeIMEDwpnF-q8-acVRiNs04q0kF9eCBt9S8UTCDpO8fsI9--o9kaRkIQPXcuqEBw-oSNcONJ9SL1lqaNowNibAv65hMVEinMhWbg1mQf-OzACZ_htjMAIr2KYykqR_E7iuOaNP40D7k6SCkmM.jJbDM6wQfkjFkP99zOdeYSMmyF8YX_wcLY6vewBcr2g&dib_tag=se&keywords=John+Delong&qid=1734631590&s=books&sprefix=john+delong%2Cstripbooks%2C100&sr=1-2 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Carrie Bates was one of the highlights of the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, winning three gold medals at just 16-years old.  Her career in the pool continued to soar until great disappointment at the 1988 Olympic Trials. Carrie’s addiction got worse and worse as an adult until she lost everything. Now, she has it all, including more than 12 years of sobriety. Amazing woman, amazing convo! Drug and Alcohol Treatment Centers hazeldenbettyford.org Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

River is coming up on four years sober. In the grips of addiction for most of his young life, River is a miracle of sobriety and gives back to those who suffer from addiction. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Pete talks to Gordon and Wesley about his and their sobriety journeys. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices