Paul Churchill had his last drink on 7 September 2014. He’s still counting. Getting sober is just the beginning…
Paul Churchill had his last drink on 7 September 2014. He’s still counting. Getting sober is just the beginning…
RE 554: All the Damn Philosophies
RE 554: All the Damn Philosophies
RE 554: All the Damn Philosophies
Monday 29th September 2025
Mike shares his journey to sobriety, overcoming addiction, and finding joy in everyday life with support and self-discovery.
Explicit
42 minutes
Inspiring
Honest
Encouraging
Hopeful
Informative
About this podcast
Author:
Paul Churchill had his last drink on 7 September 2014. He’s still counting. Getting sober is just the beginning…
Overview:
Categories:
Sobriety Toolkit
Creative Recovery Journeys
Empowering Recovery Journeys
Understanding Addiction & Recovery
Financial Health in Recovery
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Episodes:
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Get the buttons here!All the Damn Philosophies: Mike's Journey to Sobriety
Episode Overview
- Embrace a variety of recovery philosophies; there's no one-size-fits-all solution.
- Connection with others is crucial; addiction thrives in isolation.
- Recovery involves rediscovering personal happiness and optimal functioning.
- Accountability is key; sharing your journey can strengthen resolve.
- Focus on daily progress rather than long-term goals for sustainable sobriety.
"I had 30 years of drinking. What do I need, 40? Fading effect bias. That party when I was 25, that was 25 years ago. You're not going to relive that."
How do people find strength in their journey to sobriety? In this heartening episode of Recovery Elevator, we meet Mike, a 50-year-old from Cleveland, Ohio, who shares his inspiring journey towards a sober life. Having taken his last drink on August 9th, 2022, Mike recounts his experiences with alcohol, which began in high school and continued through his 20s and 30s.
Despite multiple DUIs and the creeping realization that his life was revolving around alcohol, it wasn't until his wife gave him an ultimatum that he truly committed to change. Mike's story is one of gradual self-awareness and transformation. He openly discusses the moment he realized he was the guy who always had a beer in his hand and how that led to a turning point in his life.
With a mix of honesty and humour, Mike shares how he managed to keep the 'cat in the bag' for years before finally confronting his addiction head-on. His journey highlights the importance of connection, self-discovery, and the power of community support in recovery. Listeners will find themselves reflecting on their own lives as Mike shares his insights on finding what truly makes you happy and the significance of having a support system.
He candidly talks about the challenge of facing 'all the damn philosophies' that come with recovery and how he found solace in embracing a variety of approaches, ultimately realising there isn't a one-size-fits-all solution. Mike's story is not just about quitting alcohol; it's about rediscovering oneself and finding joy in everyday life. He shares how his relationships have improved, particularly with his wife and daughters, and how he's found new passions in outdoor activities and reading.
His journey serves as a reminder that while getting sober is just the beginning, staying sober is where the real adventure lies. Curious about how others navigate their sobriety journey? This episode sheds light on the personal battles against addiction. Discover how Mike found the strength to change his life and how he's embraced a philosophy of connection and self-discovery.