Dad, Have You Been in Prison?

Dad, Have You Been in Prison?

What emotional and inspiring tales of recovery are out there? This conversation with long-time sober dad and founder of Startup Recovery, Gregg Champion, offers a raw look at staying clean when life catches fire – literally. Gregg, who has over three decades of sobriety, shares how the 2025 Pacific Palisades fires wiped out his home, business and two of his daughters’ schools in just 48 hours.

He’s brutally honest about the impact, admitting, “I have 30 years of sobriety and I’ve thought of all three” – relapse, divorce and suicide – before adding that recovery has taught him, “I’m allowed the alcoholic thoughts. I’m not allowed the alcoholic actions.” Hosted by Lisa Smith and Anna David, the chat blends dark humour, real grief and practical recovery tools.

Gregg talks about wearing the “good dad” and “good business owner” masks while his “soul was getting crushed”, and how meetings, community and telling the truth about his feelings kept him afloat when the shock wore off and the financial fallout kicked in.

You’ll also hear a powerful parenting moment: Gregg’s 10-year-old daughter asking, “Papa, have you ever been to jail?” and later saying, “Papa, thank God you’re sober.” It’s a reminder that kids notice far more than adults think, and that consistent sobriety speaks louder than any lecture. The episode also looks at Gregg’s Startup Recovery model – a 90-day transformational living programme that focuses on “shifting addiction to passion”, mixing 12-step work, clinical therapy, eastern practices and executive coaching.

He raises serious concern about vaping and gambling as rising “tsunamis” of addiction, especially for younger generations isolated with screens, porn and betting apps. If you’re sober, sober-curious, or supporting someone in recovery, this chat offers honesty, gallows humour and a clear message: lean on your tribe, keep your routines, and “say yes with boundaries.” What version of yes do you need in your own recovery today?