Hey everyone, Will here. Today's episode is full relatable and practical conversation. I sat down with Jess Lopez, who's got 24 years sober and now helps others find their way to recovery. Her story starts like many of ours - first drink at 12, living a double life in high school, and trying to keep it all together until it fell apart. What made this conversation powerful was how Jess opened up about stuff we all struggle with: - That moment when withdrawal symptoms make you realize "this is real" - Having to "cocoon" herself from the world to get sober - Losing family to alcoholism and deciding to break that cycle - Learning how to actually live life without the bottle We get deep into: - Why it's so hard to be vulnerable without alcohol - The real challenges of early sobriety - Finding joy after putting down the drink - Why cookie-cutter recovery programs don't work for everyone Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Jess Lopez 02:46 Early Experiences with Alcohol 06:30 High School and the Escalation of Drinking 09:37 Recognizing the Problem 14:34 The Turning Point 19:04 Cocooning and Self-Discovery 24:21 Supportive Relationships and New Beginnings 30:19 The Ongoing Journey of Sobriety 33:35 Navigating Vulnerability and Alcohol's Role 35:54 The Journey to Recovery Coaching 39:44 Building a Supportive Recovery Environment 43:36 Understanding Emotions in Sobriety 48:38 Finding Joy and Self-Compassion 52:18 The Shift Towards Openness in Recovery 56:39 Integrating Healing and Self-Discovery 01:01:39 The Importance of Individualized Approaches 01:11:34 Connecting with Jess Lopez and Resources For those of you wondering if you can live a full life without alcohol, or if you're early in recovery and feeling lost - this episode is for you. Jess brings both personal experience and professional insight as a recovery coach. Trust me, if you're anywhere on the recovery journey - whether just thinking about it or years in - you'll want to hear what Jess has to say about finding your way to a life beyond alcohol. New episodes drop weekly. Hit subscribe so you don't miss the conversation that might just change your life. Come Follow Jess! https://www.instagram.com/mysobersunrise/ https://mysobersunrise.com/ And if you haven't yet, come follow along with me on Instagram where I post daily. https://www.instagram.com/thewillpowerpodcast/
🎙️In today's unconventional episode, I sit down with Haley, a brutally honest life coach who transformed her sex addiction into a mission of helping others heal. If you're struggling with addiction, self-worth, or just feeling lost - this conversation might just be the one that puts it all together for you. ⚠️ Editing disclaimer: My cuts are about as smooth as my first attempt at sobriety 😅 But hey, we're all about progress over perfection here! 🔗 Follow Haley @thecandidlifecoach https://www.instagram.com/thecandidlifecoach/ 🎧 Follow TheWillpowerPodcast https://www.instagram.com/thewillpowerpodcast/ #addiction #recovery #healing #sobriety #mentalhealthawareness #coaching #podcast #sober #transformation 🙏
To the woman who has it all together at work but falls apart with that first drink - this episode is your permission slip to imagine a different way. Sydney's story shows us how to build success that doesn't require a drink to celebrate it. Sydney had the career. The success. The perfect-on-paper life. But in private? She was losing herself glass by glass, reflection by reflection, until the woman in the mirror became a stranger. In this bravely relatable conversation, Sydney shares: • The moment she realized being a "master manipulator" was destroying her from the inside • What happens when your "functional" drinking stops being functional • How she transformed her relationship with herself for the better But the real power of Sydney's story? It's not about what she lost. It's about what she found: Clarity. Self-love. Real connection. And a life that doesn't need a drink to be lived fully. CHAPTERS: 00:00 Introduction to Sydney's Journey 07:19 The Escalation of Alcoholism 14:01 The Illusion of Control 19:55 Rock Bottom and the Turning Point 25:09 Embracing Sobriety and Community 29:56 Transformative Changes Post-Sobriety 35:02 Finding a Higher Power 38:52 Embracing Vulnerability and Community 47:36 Looking Ahead: Future Aspirations Follow @dry.spirits for more inspiration https://www.instagram.com/dry.spirits/ Remember: You don't have to hit rock bottom to start climbing. Your story isn't over. It's just getting to the good part. #SoberLife #RecoveryPodcast #AddictionRecovery #SoberCurious #SoberNYC #TheWillpowerPodcast #MentalHealth #WomenInRecovery #SoberMovement #recoveryispossible Come follow me on Instagram where I post a lot of extra stuff! https://www.instagram.com/thewillpowerpodcast/
Join us for a profound conversation with Romano "Mano" O'Kane as he shares his journey of breaking free from the cycle of generational trauma and addiction. From growing up in an environment shaped by trauma, addiction, and suicide; to becoming an advocate for healing and recovery, Mano's story shows how one person's courage to change can impact generations to come. 🔍 In This Episode: Understanding generational trauma Breaking the cycle of family addiction Finding healing through community Building a new legacy The power of vulnerability and change Key Moments 00:00 - Introduction to Mano's Story 02:33 - Childhood and Family Struggles 05:45 - The Impact of Addiction on Youth 08:31 - Generational Trauma and Cultural Context 11:01 - The Descent into Substance Abuse 13:54 - Criminal Activities and Seeking Validation 16:29 - Turning Point: Violence and Realizations 19:33 - Meeting the Partner: A New Hope 22:15 - Struggles with Addiction and Isolation 25:00 - The Path to Recovery and Self-Discovery 26:07 - Struggles with Addiction and the Turning Point 30:47 - The Journey to Recovery and Community Support 33:00 - Transformation and New Perspectives 35:09 - Advocacy and Raising Awareness 35:23 - Inspiration and Moving Forward Connect with Mano! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/manookane/ https://www.instagram.com/lockstockand2jokingaddicts/ Podcast: Lock Stock & 2 Joking Addicts Website: https://lockstockand2jokingaddicts.com/ #GenerationalHealing #Recovery #Sobriety #MentalHealth #Addiction #PersonalGrowth #IrishPodcast #RecoveryPodcast #SobrietyJourney #mentalhealthawareness https://www.instagram.com/thewillpowerpodcast/
Welcome to TheWillpowerPodcast, and today I'm sitting down with my new friend John (@jbuckofficial) for the kind of raw conversation I wish I'd heard back when I was still telling myself I was "fine." Here's the truth: Two years ago, I was literally weeks away from death. My drinking had destroyed my liver so badly that doctors gave me two weeks to live without an emergency transplant. And I STILL didn't think I had a "real" problem. Yeah – let that sink in. It took a liver transplant followed by a kidney transplant to wake me up. That's what alcohol is capable of.. My buddy John's story hits different but just as hard. On paper, he had it all – beautiful family, great life – but alcohol almost took every bit of it away. Today, we get real about what it's like to be that guy who looks like he's holding it all together while everything's actually falling apart. Look, we're not here to preach. We're just two regular guys who pushed it way too far before admitting something had to change. In this episode, we talk about: - How we convinced ourselves we were "functional" (spoiler: we weren't) - The lies we told ourselves (and our loved ones) - What it took to finally face reality (in my case, almost dying) - How John saved his family by choosing sobriety - The unexpected awesome stuff that came after quitting If you're that person who's starting to wonder if maybe, just maybe, drinking isn't working for you anymore – whether you're having three beers a night or hiding bottles – this one's for you. You don't have to wait until you're where I was, or until you're about to lose everything like John almost did. Follow John's journey on Instagram @jbuckofficial You can also follow me there too @TheWillpowerPodcast Drop a comment or hit subscribe if any of this hits home. Trust me, there's a way better life waiting on the other side of "just one more." https://www.instagram.com/jbuckofficial/ #SoberCurious #QuitDrinking #SoberLife #RecoveryStory #TheWillpowerPodcast #soberjourney https://www.instagram.com/thewillpowerpodcast/
🎙️ Welcome to The Willpower Podcast, where we dive deep into real stories of transformation and hope. In this powerful episode, I sit down with the inspiring Stephanie Ziebell (@radiantinbattle) for an honest conversation about the intersections of parenthood, addiction, and the journey to authenticity. From the depths of alcohol dependency to the heights of creative awakening, Stephanie's story reminds us that our darkest moments can lead to our greatest purpose. 🔍 What you'll discover: How sobriety unleashes creativity and builds genuine community The raw truth about parenting through recovery Why Gen Z's relationship with alcohol gives us hope Finding your tribe in recovery (including Celebrate Recovery insights) Transforming social media from a trigger to a tool for healing ⏱️ Timestamps: 00:00 Meeting Stephanie: A Story of Transformation 03:05 Sobriety's Creative Awakening 05:49 The Reality of Alcohol Dependency 09:09 The Decision That Changed Everything 11:54 Motherhood Through Sober Eyes 14:51 Gen Z's Alcohol Revolution 17:56 Building Community Through Social Media 23:15 Celebrate Recovery's Impact 25:51 Finding Your Recovery Family 29:52 Faith, Community & Growth 34:37 Relationships in Recovery 39:00 Looking Forward with Hope 🎯 Whether you're sober curious, in recovery, or supporting someone who is, this conversation offers genuine insights and hope for the journey ahead. 👉 Follow Stephanie: @radiantinbattle https://www.instagram.com/radiantinbattle/ 🎙️ Subscribe for new episodes dropping weekly! https://www.instagram.com/thewillpowerpodcast/ #TheWillpowerPodcast #SoberLife #RecoveryPodcast #SoberParenting #MentalHealth #Recovery #SoberCommunity #PersonalDevelopment #Transformation #hope Remember to like, subscribe, and share if this resonates with you. Your story matters. 🙏
Hey everyone, In this brief episode, I'm sharing an honest update about my recent Emergency Room stay, what led to it, and expressing my heartfelt gratitude to the incredible medical team who cared for me. Thankfully, I'm now recovering at home and wanted to connect with our community to share this part of my journey. This podcast has always been about real conversations around sobriety, and today's no different - just adding hospitals gowns to the mix. If you're new here, welcome. We're building a community where authentic discussions about recovery and personal growth happen every week. Consider subscribing to join our growing family of truth-seekers and change-makers. Stay strong, stay real. -Will #SoberLife #Recovery #PersonalGrowth #WillpowerPodcast
I'm incredibly excited to bring you this powerful conversation with Dr. Brian Licuanan, a leading expert in addiction and recovery. In this raw and honest discussion, we dive deep into: • Why just "staying dry" isn't enough for true recovery • The hidden role trauma plays in addiction (that nobody talks about) • What family members get wrong when trying to help • How genetics and mental health affect your recovery journey • The truth about support systems (and why some fail) 🎯 KEY MOMENTS: 02:55 - Why "just quitting" doesn't work 09:01 - When family help becomes enabling 14:59 - The trauma-addiction connection you need to understand 32:35 - Making recovery your #1 priority (and why it matters) 50:20 - Finding hope when everything feels hopeless Dr. Licuanan drops some serious wisdom bombs like: "Sobriety is not only am I not engaging in the behavior..." "You have to work it up, you have to go through the steps." Whether you're: • Just starting to question your relationship with substances • Struggling to stay sober • Supporting someone in recovery • Already on your journey but feeling stuck ...this episode has real, actionable insights you can use today. Don't miss the segment on family dynamics at 09:01 - it might completely change how you view your recovery journey. ⬇️ Drop a "💡" in the comments when you hear something that hits home. #AddictionRecovery #SoberLife #MentalHealth #TheWillpowerPodcast #RecoveryJourney #SoberCurious Follow Dr. Brian https://drbrianlicuanan.com/ Instagram @drlicuanan
Hey, Will here. Just checkin in on ya. In this episode, I'm getting real about something that's been on my mind lately - the importance of living in the moment, especially when you're on this often confusing ride to sobriety. Look, I get it. Some days, you feel like you're on top of the world, ready to conquer everything. Other days? It's like you're right back where you started, forgetting how far you've actually come. I've been there, and I'm here to tell you - it's all part of the journey. Here's what I want to share with you: 1. The past is gone, folks. Dwelling on it? That's just wasting your precious present. 2. Even when life feels like it's kicking you down, remember - this feeling will pass. It always does. 3. Keep your eyes peeled for those little moments of unexpected joy. They're everywhere if you look for them. 4. Those small, joyful moments? They're not just nice to have - they're signs you're on the right path. Use them as fuel to keep going. 5. Cherishing small victories isn't just feel-good advice - it's a survival strategy in sobriety. I'll be honest with you - I still find myself in this loop sometimes. One minute I'm excited about life, the next I'm feeling like my old, alcohol-addicted self. But you know what? That's okay. Because each time it happens, I'm getting better at recognizing it and pulling myself back to the present. If you're struggling with addiction, trying to stay sober, or just looking to live a more present life, this episode is for you. I'm not here to preach - I'm here to share what's working for me, in hopes that it might work for you too. Subscribe to TheWillpowerPodcast for more raw, honest conversations about addiction, recovery, and the power of living in the moment. Remember, your past doesn't define you - your present does. Let's make it count. #LivingInTheMoment #SobrietyJourney #AddictionRecovery #TheWillpowerPodcast #EmbraceTheNow
In this quick candid check-in video, I open up about the overwhelming support I've received from listeners and fellow podcasters. Your encouraging questions and comments have touched my heart and fueled my passion to keep sharing my story. I never imagined I'd have a platform to pursue my dreams and potentially help others. To everyone who's been part of this journey - thank you from the bottom of my heart. But this video isn't just about gratitude. I also dive into a crucial topic: recognizing the warning signs of Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD). Key points covered: - The dangers of drinking alone - Why solitary drinking is a serious red flag - How to spot AUD symptoms in yourself or loved ones If you or someone you know is struggling, remember: reaching out for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Want to continue the conversation? Check out TheWillpowerPodcast for more insights and support on the journey to sobriety and self-improvement. #AlcoholAwareness #RecoveryJourney #MentalHealthMatters #Gratitude
🎬 Series Finale: The Willpower Podcast Journey Continues 🌟 We've reached the end of our first series, and I'm overwhelmed with gratitude. To all the listeners who reached out to me the last few days – thank you from the bottom of my heart! ❤️ If anything in these episodes resonated with you, get ready, because this is just the beginning. The Willpower Podcast is on a mission: • To reach as many people struggling with addiction as possible • To share real, raw stories of recovery and hope • To provide practical tools for maintaining sobriety • To build a supportive community of warriors in recovery Your response has been incredible, and it fuels my commitment to keep going. I promise you this: I'm going to make a lot more content, dive deeper into recovery topics, and continue to help as many people as I can. Why stick around? ✅ More inspiring stories of transformation ✅ Expanded resources for your sobriety journey ✅ A growing community of support and understanding Remember: Every view, every share, every comment helps spread our message of hope. Together, we can reach those who need it most. Thank you for being part of this first chapter. Now, let's write the rest of the story together. 📖 Stay tuned for what's next – trust me, you won't want to miss it! #WillpowerPodcast #RecoveryJourney #SobrietySupport #NewChapters #StayTuned
In this powerful episode, we delve deep into the transformative journey of life after a liver transplant and the profound impact of sobriety. Join us as we explore: • The emotional awakening of the first sober day post-transplant • Overcoming challenges and rediscovering joy in everyday moments • Developing resilience and coping mechanisms in a world without alcohol • The unexpected gifts of a sober lifestyle and renewed health This episode offers a raw, honest look at the struggles and triumphs of rebuilding a life free from addiction. We'll share intimate insights into the physical and emotional healing process, and the profound gratitude that comes with a second chance at life. Whether you're on your own path to recovery or seeking to understand the journey of a loved one, this episode provides hope, inspiration, and practical wisdom for embracing a sober lifestyle. Join us for this moving exploration of resilience, recovery, and the power of human will. #SobrietyJourney #TransplantSurvivor #RecoveryInspiration #WillpowerPodcast
"TheWillpowerPodcast" Episode 2: Transplanted Witness the raw, unfiltered story of survival as we delve into: The agonizing wait for a donor match The rollercoaster of emotions leading up to surgery A shocking, behind-the-scenes look at the transplant process From last-minute calls to life-altering decisions, this episode pulls back the curtain on one of medicine's most intense procedures. Don't miss this unflinching account of hope, fear, and the ultimate test of willpower. #LiverTransplant #SobrietyJourney #MedicalStories