The Heart of Hearts with Coach James JohnsonThe Heart of Hearts with Coach James Johnson
Addict II Athlete Podcast
Coach Blu Robinson catches up with Coach James Johnson about the realities of life 12 years into recovery, from coaching pressures and mental health to fundraising, skydiving and the emotionally charged story behind Sam’s run. Their chat focuses on choosing which "hard" to live with and reaching the deeper "heart of hearts" in recovery work.
46:24•21 Oct 2022
Choosing Your Hard: Coach James Johnson on the "Heart of Hearts" in Recovery
Episode Overview
- Both addiction and sobriety are hard in different ways, and people in recovery have to consciously choose which "hard" they want to live with.
- Being a recovery coach can feel relentless, with constant demands, limited resources and the pressure to appear strong even on difficult days.
- James’ idea of the "heart of hearts" focuses on reaching the deeply private part of a person where real, lasting change can start.
- Events like Sam’s 3.2-mile run show how personal stories, especially those involving serious injury from drinking, can galvanise whole communities to act.
- Skydiving is used as a dramatic, legal "high" that can rival drug use while also breaking down barriers between people in recovery and law enforcement officers.
“"In addiction, it's hard... being sober is hard. Both are hard. And you have to choose your hard."”
How do people find strength in their journey to sobriety? This conversation between Coach Blu Robinson and Coach James Johnson gives a raw, funny and very real glimpse into what long-term recovery can look like when life is still throwing punches.
James, now 12 years in recovery and leading the Uintah Basin chapter of Addict II Athlete, talks honestly about the constant pressure of being a recovery coach while juggling financial stress, a baby on the way, mental health struggles and no driving licence. As he puts it bluntly, "In addiction, it's hard... being sober is hard. Both are hard.
And you have to choose your hard." The heart of the chat circles around what James calls the "heart of hearts" – that private, honest part of yourself you usually only show when you're alone. He explains how his mum, despite her own addiction, taught him to love, and how that shaped the way he connects with people: he doesn’t just speak to their public persona, he aims straight for that deeper inner self.
You’ll also hear the story of "Sam’s run" – a 3.2-mile event raising support for a young man called Samuel, paralysed after a drink-fuelled accident. For James, who has a 17-year-old son, Sam’s story hits hard: "This could be my son." That emotional punch fuels his passion for service and community events.
On the lighter-but-still-terrifying side, James shares why he takes athletes skydiving as a "life-changing" alternative high, compares the rush to a shot of meth, and explains why he invites police officers to jump with people in recovery to end the old "cops and robbers" battle. This is aimed at anyone in recovery, their families, and those who support them, especially people who like the idea of combining movement, sport and service. Ready to think about which "hard" you’re choosing today?
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