Tom Conrad: Addiction Recovery Podcaster
Tom Conrad: Addiction Recovery Podcaster
570: Firefighter Told He’d Never Ride Again… Alcohol Nearly Killed Him
570: Firefighter Told He’d Never Ride Again… Alcohol Nearly Killed Him
570: Firefighter Told He’d Never Ride Again… Alcohol Nearly Killed Him
Wednesday 3rd September 2025
A firefighter's journey from alcoholism to recovery, facing liver failure and finding hope.
101 minutes
Inspiring
Hopeful
Authentic
Encouraging
Informative
About this podcast
Author:
Tom Conrad: Addiction Recovery Podcaster
Overview:
Categories:
Recovery Reimagined
Creative Recovery Journeys
Innovative Treatments & Recovery Paths
Family Recovery from Addiction
Recovery from Trauma
Links:
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Episodes:
485 (View all)
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Get the buttons here!Firefighter's Battle: From Addiction to Redemption
Episode Overview
- Alcoholism can lead to severe health issues like liver failure.
- Support from peers is crucial in overcoming addiction.
- Facing one's own mortality can be a turning point for recovery.
- Finding purpose and clarity in sobriety is transformative.
- Recovery is possible with determination and support.
"I was told if I didn't make a change, I was going to die."
Get ready to be moved by real-life accounts of resilience and recovery in this episode of Real Recovery Talk. Tom Conrad hosts Mattie Johnson, a firefighter who faced the unimaginable challenge of being told he'd never ride a fire truck again due to his battle with alcoholism. Mattie shares his tumultuous journey from living fast and hard to facing the stark reality of stage 4 liver failure.
Despite repeated warnings and multiple ICU visits, Mattie continued down a dangerous path until he found himself at a crossroads. The episode explores how Mattie's life spiralled out of control and how he found his way back through determination and support from friends and colleagues. Listeners will hear about the stark realities of addiction, including the physical toll it took on Mattie's body, leading to life-threatening esophageal bleeds.
His story is one of survival, tenacity, and ultimately finding hope and purpose in sobriety. Mattie's candid recounting of his experiences provides a powerful reminder of the importance of intervention and support for those struggling with addiction. Tom Conrad's engaging style, combined with Mattie's compelling narrative, offers listeners a chance to reflect on the power of recovery and the possibility of transformation even in the darkest times.
Whether you're in recovery yourself or supporting someone who is, this episode provides valuable insights into the complexities of addiction and the strength required to overcome it. Are you curious about how someone can turn their life around after facing such adversity? Tune in to hear Mattie's inspiring story and learn what drives him to live a fulfilling life today. How do you find hope when everything seems lost?