21: The Getting Real with Hilary Show with Hilary Burns - Episode 21

21: The Getting Real with Hilary Show with Hilary Burns - Episode 21

How do people find strength in their journey to sobriety? This conversation between Hilary Burns and author Joel Steele focuses on the wider question of how anyone turns a messy past into something meaningful, whether that story involves alcohol, crime, debt, or just feeling painfully average.

You’ll get to know Joel through his book *Life Switch*, which Hilary describes as “real and raw” and “an inspiring story disguised as a self-help book.” He talks openly about being a “former juvenile delinquent”, stealing from cars, nearly ending up in juvenile detention, and the shock of staring at two jail cells and realising he didn’t want either.

That near-miss, and the guilt of hurting others, became the spark for a deep desire to help people instead of harm them. Joel explains his core idea: “Everybody is pre-wired for success, fulfillment, and happiness… but you have to want to and learn how to flip your switch on.” He argues that many people aren’t lacking potential; they’re just not turning the power on.

Hilary brings in her own example of hiding her spending from her financial planner and how coming clean instantly lifted years of stress, underscoring the importance of honesty in both money and life.

From being the worst personal trainer at one gym to the best at another, to launching a healthy fast-food restaurant chain that ultimately failed and left him deep in debt, Joel shows how “low moments are points of reflection and opportunity.” He now works in finance, helping people plan for retirement, and talks about tissues on the conference table for clients who learn they can finally stop working.

If you’ve ever felt stuck in old patterns, ashamed of past choices, or convinced you’re just “not that driven”, this episode might push you to ask a simple question: what would change if you actually flipped your own life switch?