Rock Bottom With Ryan

rockbottomwithryan
  • 4.3 (8)
  • Mental Health

After 18 years of drinking, countless blackouts, arrests, and hospital stays, I finally hit my bottom—and started to climb. This podcast is about what it really looks like to get sober. No sugarcoating. No step-by-step manual. Just honest conversations about addiction, recovery, relapse, and everything in between. If you’ve struggled, if someone you love is struggling, or if you just want to understand the chaos behind the bottle—this is for you. Let’s talk about what happens after rock bottom.

  1. 1d ago

    Allie Clark: Raised by Narcissism, Rebuilt through Recovery

    Allie Clark on Narcissistic Family Trauma, CPTSD, and Finding Sobriety Without “No Contact” | Rock Bottom with RyanOn Rock Bottom with Ryan and Rachel, guest Allie Clark (Kansas City area) shares how her drinking changed the day her mother died—publicly framed as kidney cancer but actually an opioid overdose tied to treatment—leading to years of blackout drinking, especially on Thanksgiving. She describes growing up with a narcissistic mother behind a polished exterior, including punishment around eating, medical neglect, and lasting self-hate and perfectionism. Motherhood and giving birth in the same hospital retriggered trauma, escalating her daily drinking and later dangerous wine-and-Xanax use after a breakdown. Now nearing nine years sober (June 23, 2017), Allie discusses CPTSD symptoms, somatic tools, and a therapist’s view that forgiveness isn’t required to heal. She explains her Sober Dream Team coaching helping women stay sober while navigating narcissistic dynamics and boundaries, especially through holidays.00:00 Hidden Cause of Death00:56 PTSD and Triggers01:28 Show Intro and Sponsor03:50 Meet Ally Again04:52 Wine and Xanax Blackouts06:16 Mom’s Death Changed Drinking09:26 Narcissistic Family Mask13:26 Motherhood Rekindles Trauma17:40 Daily Drinking to Xanax19:55 Self Worth and Perfectionism21:35 Breaking the Cycle Parenting23:58 Somatic Tools for Healing25:50 Filling the Emotional Void26:01 Academics as Escape27:17 Trauma in the Body29:06 Forgiveness and Healing31:38 Sobriety as Foundation33:50 Coaching Through Narcissism38:24 When Narcissists Retaliate45:13 Misunderstood Survival Mode48:03 Advice and Rock Bottom51:10 Closing Gratitude

    54 min

  2. 3d ago

    Randal Maurer: Threat Unseen

    From 37 Years in the Army to a Bio-Thriller: Randal Maurer on Threat Unseen, Purpose, and Veteran Advocacy | Rock Bottom with RyanIn this episode of Rock Bottom with Ryan, Ryan interviews Randal Maurer, author of the biological thriller Threat Unseen, focusing on how Randal’s 37-year Army career and plant biology background shaped his writing. Randal shares growing up in rural Wisconsin, joining the Army at 17, early independence overseas in Germany, years split between active duty and the reserves, and retiring in June 2023 before selling most of his belongings to travel full-time by camper with his wife. He explains the novel’s premise: how real plant and fungal research, including genetic manipulation, could be used for good or catastrophic crop die-offs if exploited. Randal discusses his transition struggles, PTSD treatment experiences, and his mission to encourage veterans to seek help and watch for those silently struggling. He also previews a potential sequel inspired by travels in Germany and Spain.00:00 Teen to Germany01:00 Helping Fellow Veterans01:26 Show and Sponsor Intro02:58 Meet Randal Maurer05:43 Roots and Family Values08:13 Joining at Seventeen10:25 Early Army Adjustments12:06 Reserve to Active Duty14:11 Threat Unseen Origins19:32 Science Behind the Thriller23:18 Military Shaping the Hero25:07 Drafts and Leadership Lens28:21 Researching Realism29:45 Writing With Restraint30:30 Could Threats Be Real31:43 AI And Creativity33:37 Dream Movie Casting34:57 Reading Influences36:55 Military PTSD Journey42:29 Veteran Advocacy Mission44:18 Next Novel Tease46:01 Message And Five Years48:00 Rock Bottom Lessons51:05 Advice And Wrap Up

    56 min

  3. 5d ago

    Dark Days to Bright Futures: Richard from Ark Rehab House

    From Cocaine Rock Bottom to Recovery: Richard’s Story & Inside Ark House Rehab | Rock Bottom with RyanRichard, from Scarborough in North Yorkshire, shares how early alcohol use and a pressured upbringing led to a long, escalating cocaine addiction that progressed from social use to daily dependence, car-park and hotel binges, job loss, debt, and an attempted suicide plan. A WhatsApp message from his 11-year-old son prompted him to admit he was an addict and seek help, leading to treatment at Ark House on 5/4/2020. He describes surrendering, recognizing he was also alcoholic, finding a higher power in the sea, and using 12-step work and counseling to face trauma and stop using. Richard explains Ark House’s structured, abstinence-based program, confidentiality, phone restrictions, assessments, co-ed capacity, aftercare via Zoom, and staff with lived experience. He now works there, helps others access detox and treatment, and advises listeners to reach out, attend meetings, get a sponsor, and do daily recovery work.00:00 Coke Car Park Spiral01:28 Podcast Intro Sponsor02:57 Meet Richard Sober Date04:05 Childhood Pressure Abuse06:31 Alcohol Early Coping08:35 Forced Bank Career11:03 First Cocaine Hit13:04 Addiction Takes Over15:47 IVF Losses Debt Jobs18:18 Rock Bottom Suicide Plan19:41 Confession Rehab Call21:13 Surrender Ark House23:09 Choosing Ark House Intake24:27 Tough Love Breakthrough25:15 Step Three Surrender26:17 Owning The Problem27:42 Last Use Realization29:25 Why Arkhouse Works31:30 Structure And Confidentiality33:59 First Month Challenges35:34 Helping Resistant Clients38:34 Choosing Recovery Yourself40:47 From Alumni To Staff44:56 Daily Recovery Routine45:50 Reach Out For Help47:15 Closing Thanks And Signoff

    48 min

  4. 6d ago

    Sharina: From Self Destruction to Service

    From Military Brat to Building Arcana Recovery: PTSD, Substance Use, and a Tech Solution for Treatment Engagement | Rock Bottom with Ryan Sharina joins Rock Bottom with Ryan and co-host Rachel to share her background as a military brat who moved frequently, navigated learning disabilities, and later joined the military at 17, including deployment to Iraq. She describes early substance use beginning in childhood, heavy partying as a club promoter, and how PTSD, anxiety, and depression contributed to dependence and losing her house, car, and stability. After a DUI and dual-diagnosis inpatient treatment, she experienced a shift through journaling and reframing, but struggled with discharge planning and relapse risk without housing or job security. Sharina explains how these gaps inspired Arcana Recovery, a platform that tracks recovery engagement and alerts support teams, and discusses expanding into licensed outpatient services for professionals, veterans, and returning citizens while emphasizing safe spaces and avoiding isolation.00:00 School Gaps and Catching Up01:16 Podcast Intro and Sponsor02:45 Meet Sharina and Recovery Views05:06 Military Brat Childhood07:14 Joining the Military at 1708:13 Moving Around and Relationships10:43 Learning Disability and Sports14:37 Early Substance Use Begins17:31 Post Iraq and Therapy Clash19:06 Club Promoter Party Life19:50 Purpose Crisis and Depression23:23 Community Center Full Circle26:43 DUI and Dual Diagnosis Program28:05 CBT Breakthrough29:20 Treatment Feels Safe29:44 Discharged Without Stability30:43 Relapse After Rehab31:57 Bargaining for a Job33:29 Building Business Ideas34:41 AI Therapy Pivot36:02 Arcana Recovery Explained37:20 Serving High Achievers39:44 Referrals and Screening42:02 Success Still Feels Empty44:49 Hosts Reflect on Sobriety50:11 Anxiety and Exposure53:10 Advice Find Safe Space55:04 Quote and Closing

    57 min

  5. Jul 3

    Michael: Healing Beyond Abstinence

    Michael’s Rock Bottom: Tequila, Rehab, AA, and Finding Sobriety Through Ibogaine & IbogaOn Rock Bottom with Ryan, Michael shares how his tequila drinking progressively worsened—especially during COVID—despite being a high-functioning husband, father of three, and long-time tech sales professional. With a family history of alcoholism and mounting anxiety and physical discomfort, he struggled to stop despite repeated attempts, including AA, psilocybin, and “California sober,” and eventually completed a 30-day rehab stay. After relapsing, he pursued ibogaine treatment in Mexico, which eliminated his alcohol cravings but initially didn’t last; a second ibogaine treatment on August 30, 2025 became his sober date. He then completed a seven-day iboga retreat, reporting broader lifestyle changes like improved diet, hiking, weight loss, reduced sugar cravings, and a stronger spiritual connection, while continuing AA for community and emphasizing integration work.00:00 Vacation Drinking Spiral00:56 Rock Bottom Intro01:25 Sponsor Sober Strong02:36 Meet Michael Sober Date04:09 Family History Early Signs06:18 First Drinks High School07:31 Work Travel COVID Escalation09:39 Hiding Bottles Red Flags10:48 Health Anxiety Rock Bottom15:45 Rehab AA Relapse Cycle18:35 Ibogaine Discovery Reset22:19 Iboga Retreat Transformation23:21 What Ibogaine Feels Like26:11 Bwiti Tradition Spiritual Shift27:30 Palapa Night Ceremony28:10 Iboga Retreat Breakthroughs28:34 Integration After The Reset30:32 Costs Rehab Versus Iboga31:42 AA Bridge And Pushback39:53 Risks Misconceptions Safety41:26 Clinics Demand And Big Pharma44:16 Daily Routine Wellness Tools48:59 Closing Quote And Advice

    53 min

  6. Jul 1

    AJ: Built To Last - A Tradesman's Journey to Sobriety

    AJ’s Rock Bottom: Opioid Addiction, Intervention, Rehab, and Recovery Through Fitness | Rock Bottom with Ryan On Rock Bottom with Ryan, guest AJ shares how a high-achieving, sports-focused upbringing and heavy partying in early adulthood eventually gave way to opioid addiction after multiple surgeries beginning in 2018. Prescribed Percocets, he quickly escalated to taking far beyond the recommended dose, buying pills illegally, hiding his use while functioning at work and home, and spending $500–$600 a day at his worst. After lying to his wife, attempting Suboxone and meetings, relapsing, and traveling with pills, AJ’s family staged an intervention that led him to rehab through his union. Following early stumbles after treatment, he committed to sobriety on October 12, 2024 and has not used opioids since, tapering Suboxone and rebuilding trust while coaching others using fitness, nutrition, mindset, and accountability. 00:00 Addiction Costs Spiral00:45 Family Intervention Setup01:13 Show Intro Sponsor03:01 Meet AJ Sober Basics04:42 Childhood Pressure Sports06:38 First Drinks Weed08:12 Chameleon Teen Years09:13 College Party Crash12:32 Surgeries Start Opioids14:45 Tolerance Street Supply16:28 Hidden Functional Addiction19:27 Withdrawal Risks Smuggling21:40 Confession Rock Bottom24:02 Seeking Suboxone Help24:09 Suboxone And Meetings24:43 Lying And Relapse25:07 Family Intervention26:06 Choosing Rehab Anyway27:34 Inside Treatment Life29:16 Post Rehab Stumbles31:02 October 12 Sobriety Date32:27 Making Amends Rebuilding Trust33:45 Starting Recovery Coaching35:04 Fitness Food Mindset Blueprint38:44 Tradesmen Opioid Culture40:27 Life Then Versus Now44:36 Program Details And Contact46:23 Advice And Closing

    49 min

  7. Jun 29

    Beyond The Needle: Jaron Lyle's Path to Redemption

    On Rock Bottom with Ryan, Ryan and co-host Rachel Sereni interview Jaron Lyle, who shares his addiction and recovery story. From a supportive childhood in Arlington, Texas, he began using weed at 15, escalated to pills, then heroin and injecting drugs, alongside periods of crime that led to about 21.5 months in Texas prison. He describes multiple treatment stints (2010, 2015, 2019), a strong NA period from 2015–2018, relapse after divorce, and chaotic late-stage use in 2023–2025. Jaron marks his last use as April 26, 2025, describing a pivotal spiritual “universe” experience that motivated change. He explains his current structure—work, gym, Walmart, TikTok Live as “meetings and church,” family meals, and frequent tattoos—plus his “Radical Movement” focus on service and sharing stories to help others.00:00 Crime And Chaos Teaser01:04 Rock Bottom Intro01:32 Sponsor Message02:44 Meet The Guests03:54 Sober Date And Last Use05:02 Drugs Of Choice Evolution06:07 Treatment History Timeline06:42 Childhood And Early Trauma08:39 First Use In High School12:48 Keeping It Together14:28 Missionary Work To Oxy16:07 Crime And Prison Years17:55 Needle Life Explained19:50 Prison Mindset And Release22:44 Psychology Of Shooting Up25:52 Relationships In Addiction29:17 Final Stretch Day To Day30:10 Relapse Spiral31:39 Bar Trigger Return32:29 Paranoia And Chaos33:00 Night Before Quit34:01 Universe Deal Moment36:28 Building A Boring Life37:49 TikTok As Meetings41:39 Tattoos And Destiny44:53 Service Over Labels47:22 Radical Movement Mission53:10 Advice For Sober Curious56:56 Where To Find Him59:26 Closing And Congrats

    1h 1m

  8. Jun 28

    Baelie: Recovery is my Reality

    From Rock Bottom to Recovery: Baelie’s Story of Alcohol Addiction, Rehab, and Sober Life in Utah | Rock Bottom with RyanOn Rock Bottom with Ryan, Ryan and co-host Rachel Sereni interview Baelie, a respiratory therapist from Moab, Utah, who got sober from alcohol on 4/26/24. Baelie describes growing up LDS, first drinking at 13–14, and how college freedom led to daily drinking—even during her respiratory therapy program—followed by health issues including facial swelling, liver pain, and an ER visit where a CT revealed early fatty liver disease. After a breakup she attributes to drinking-related choices, she sank into depression and guilt and attempted suicide by crashing her car while intoxicated, survived, briefly stopped, then relapsed and escalated again, including trying to drive drunk. A therapist and family intervention led her to a 47-day rehab stay, after which she stayed sober using coping tools, therapy, outdoor activity, and early AA before finding her sober community on TikTok, where she shares recovery content, dating boundaries, and advice for those struggling or feeling suicidal (including calling 988).00:00 Family Wake Up Call00:26 Health Scare And ER Reality01:17 Rock Bottom Intro01:46 Sponsor Message02:56 Meet Bailey And Sober Basics04:04 Growing Up LDS And Secret Drinking06:10 First Drink And Early Teens06:49 High School Sports And Partying07:34 College Freedom Turns Daily08:04 Drinking Through Respiratory School10:42 Fatty Liver Warning Signs12:40 Suicide Attempt And Breaking Point16:42 Relapse And Rehab Ultimatum20:00 Rehab Experience And Withdrawal21:51 Life After Rehab22:50 AA And Early Pride23:22 Sobriety On TikTok25:30 Daily Routine Outdoors26:48 Dating While Sober28:11 Medical Field Triggers29:22 Hiding Spots And Freedom32:08 Advice For Getting Sober35:19 Therapy And Community38:08 Suicidal Thoughts Help41:01 Handles And Wrap Up

    42 min
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Ratings & Reviews

4.3
out of 5
8 Ratings

About

After 18 years of drinking, countless blackouts, arrests, and hospital stays, I finally hit my bottom—and started to climb. This podcast is about what it really looks like to get sober. No sugarcoating. No step-by-step manual. Just honest conversations about addiction, recovery, relapse, and everything in between. If you’ve struggled, if someone you love is struggling, or if you just want to understand the chaos behind the bottle—this is for you. Let’s talk about what happens after rock bottom.

Information

  • Creator
    rockbottomwithryan
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    170
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © rockbottomwithryan
  • Show Website
    Rock Bottom With Ryan

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