The Life We Never Thought We’d Have

The Life We Never Thought We’d Have

What drives someone to seek a life without alcohol? This conversation between Ellen Stewart, known as the Pushy Broad from the Bronx, and guest Chris Kalbfleisch gives a very candid look at how two people rebuilt their lives after addiction turned everything upside down. The chat starts with identity: before recovery, both describe measuring their worth by money, status, and achievements.

Chris says he was "simply the person that accomplished and achieved and conquered," until addiction stripped that away and left "nothing left." Ellen shares how she stumbled into her first Narcotics Anonymous meeting by accident – and a "really cute guy" asking her to stay became the unlikely start of 41 years clean and sober. You’ll hear them unpack the moment everything had to change.

Chris talks about drug psychosis, assaulting someone he cared about, and facing jail and house arrest. Ellen recalls overdoses, car accidents, and the shock of realising she needed help even though she thought she was just supporting someone else. The episode is especially helpful if you’re wondering what recovery actually looks like day-to-day. They talk about early loneliness, family estrangement, stigma, and how vital recovery communities became.

Chris shares his favourite tool: a simple gratitude list that grew from two items to "a thousand things" he can name today. Ellen talks about aiming daily for "peace, balance, and serenity" and resisting the impulsive, "I want what I want when I want it" addictive mindset. Relationships, boundaries, and relapse prevention all get honest treatment, including Chris’s tough-love agreement with his wife if he ever drinks again and Ellen’s clear distinction between compromise and sacrifice.

If you’re wondering whether a "wonderful life" is really possible after addiction, this straight-talking, funny, and heartfelt conversation might be exactly the nudge you need. What part of their story sounds most like your own?