Arlina Allen

The One Day At A Time Recovery Podcast

Arlina Allen

  • 409 From Elite Athlete to Inmate: The Wake-Up Call That Changed His Life

409 From Elite Athlete to Inmate: The Wake-Up Call That Changed His Life

Thursday 18th December 2025

Explore Hakeem Bourne-Mcfarlane's inspiring journey from athlete to inmate, revealing his path to sobriety and self-accountability.
Explicit
36 minutes
Inspiring
Hopeful
Informative
Encouraging
Authentic

About this podcast

The One Day At A Time Recovery Podcast
Author:
Arlina Allen
Overview:
Categories:
Sobriety Toolkit
Family Recovery from Addiction
Sexual Empowerment & Identity
Creative Recovery Journeys
Understanding Addiction & Recovery
Links:
Visit site
Rounded Button Dark
Do you want to link to this podcast?
Get the buttons here!

From Athlete to Inmate: Hakeem's Radical Transformation

Episode Overview

  • Hakeem shares how incarceration forced him to confront his unresolved grief.
  • The TEFIC framework offers a structured approach to recovery.
  • Community support plays a crucial role in overcoming addiction.
  • Recovery involves removing distractions and healing root causes.
  • Discipline and routine are key components of maintaining sobriety.
"Fill up your cup and then pull from an overflow. That's different for everybody."
What drives someone to seek a life without alcohol? In this gripping episode of The One Day At A Time Recovery Podcast, you'll hear the incredible story of Hakeem Bourne-Mcfarlane, a man who transformed his life from an elite athlete to an inmate, and eventually into a beacon of hope for others struggling with addiction.
Hakeem opens up about the heart-wrenching loss of his younger brother and how it led him to bury his grief under the guise of sports and eventually succumb to addiction. His journey is not just about sobriety but about removing distractions, healing root causes, and returning to one's natural state. Hakeem shares how being incarcerated forced him into a state of radical self-accountability, where he had no choice but to confront his unresolved pain.
His powerful TEFIC framework—Triggers, Environment, Foundation, Invest, Contribution—serves as a guide for others on their path to recovery. This framework encourages individuals to identify their triggers, create supportive environments, and invest in themselves to achieve personal growth. The conversation between Hakeem and host Arlina Allen is not only informative but also filled with light-hearted moments and laughter.
Hakeem's energy and passion for helping others shine through as he discusses the importance of community support and the role of discipline in maintaining sobriety. He emphasizes that recovery is not just about abstaining from substances but about creating a life that is fulfilling and balanced. So, if you're curious about how people find strength in their journey to sobriety or looking for inspiration on your own path, this episode is a must-listen.
What steps are you taking today to fill your cup and live the life you were meant to lead?
alcoholfree.com
Published by The Mindful Drinking Company Limited
4 Providence Court, Pynes Hill, Exeter, Devon, EX2 5JL, England
Registered in England and Wales.
Company Number: 1195057. Vat Number: GB320915135.
Registered address as above.
© Copyright 2005-2025 The Mindful Drinking Company Limited.
All Rights Reserved.
alcoholfree.com is a participant in the Amazon Associates Programme, an affiliate advertising programme designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.co.uk. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.