TheWillpowerPodcast with Will Gordon

Will Gordon
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Sobriety podcast featuring real addiction recovery stories and practical tools that actually work. I'm Will Gordon. Boston school teacher, two-time organ transplant survivor, and a guy who used to hide vodka bottles in places I don't even like remembering. At 35, my liver and kidneys were done. Doctors said weeks, maybe less. Transplants gave me a second shot. Sobriety gave me everything else. This isn't some shiny recovery show. It's raw conversations about what addiction actually feels like, how messy getting sober really is, and the quiet moments that slowly pull you back to life. Every Friday I talk with people who've been to the edge - some still hanging on by their fingernails - and we unpack the doubts, the small wins, the tools that actually work when everything else fails. If you're fighting cravings, questioning if it's worth it, or just need to hear someone who gets it... this is for you. Real stories. Real tools. No b******t. AND ALWAYS with Respect and Compassion. 🎧 New Episodes Every Friday: One listen could reframe your life. 🙏 Every donation helps keep this content going and reaching the people who need it most. → https://buymeacoffee.com/thewillpowerpodcast JOIN THE MOVEMENT: YouTube: @TheWillpowerPodcast (full video eps—subscribe for the visuals that hit harder).Audio Platforms: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, AudibleInstagram: @thewillpowerpodcast (daily Reels, tips, and community vibes).TikTok: @willgordonsober Connect Direct: thewillpowerpodcast@gmail.com. Book a FREE 30-minute sober mentoring session via my Calendly (link in IG bio too)—let's chat if you're ready to flip the script. "Your greatest comeback starts the moment you decide it's possible."  Feel that pull? Hit play. One story could change your lens. Subscribe, and let’s build something unstoppable. 

  1. From Heroin Hell to 100K Runs: How Running Saved Shawn Livingston

    APR 3 ·  BONUS

    From Heroin Hell to 100K Runs: How Running Saved Shawn Livingston

    Family, that’s Shawn Livingston — four-time felon, heroin survivor, ultra-runner, and living proof that your lowest moment can become your greatest purpose Shawn Livingston went from high school basketball star to Air Force vet, heroin addict, 4-time felon, and prison time… until a mirror moment and a simple running group changed everything. He shares the raw truth about recovery bubbles, Scientology rehab madness, military painkiller hell, and how finding something that "lit a fire under his ass" rebuilt his body, mind, and purpose. If you're battling addiction, liver/kidney recovery, or just feel stuck in sobriety — this is your reminder: recovery is the foundation, not your whole life. Find what excites you to wake up every morning. Watch Shawn's documentary "100 Miles to Redemption" on Amazon: https://www.primevideo.com/detail/0Q92IH29KIQG1EJ3K381552TQR/ref=atv_dp_share_cu_r Follow Shawn: @iamredemption + his "I Am Redemption" podcast Drop in the comments: What's YOUR "fire under the ass" thing? Tag a friend who needs this. Timestamps below ↓ If my transplant journey and these stories help you, hit subscribe, like, and share — we're building real recovery impact together. Booking speaking? DM me. #Sobriety #Recovery #AddictionRecovery TIMESTAMPS: 0:00 – New Intro + Shawn’s Big Lesson 1:45 – Car Crash That Ended Basketball Dreams 4:30 – Oxy to Heroin Pipeline 8:10 – Scientology Rehab Madness (you won’t believe this) 12:00 – Military Injury & Painkillers 16:30 – Prison Wake-Up Call 21:00 – The Mirror Moment That Changed Everything 25:45 – How Running Lit the Fire 32:00 – Lance Armstrong Podcast + Documentary Story 38:00 – Vulnerability Pays Off 44:00 – Actionable Steps: Find Your Fire 52:00 – Final Wisdom + Where to Find Shawn And if you find value in the content we're creating. A coffee is a great way to support the channel. 🤝 https://buymeacoffee.com/thewillpowerpodcast

    55 min
  2. Relapse Isn’t Failure: How Shame Almost Killed My Liver

    MAR 27

    Relapse Isn’t Failure: How Shame Almost Killed My Liver

    Hey everybody, welcome back to The Willpower Podcast. I was a Boston teacher sneaking bottles, blacking out, and waking up yellow-eyed in a hospital bed with doctors telling my wife I had two weeks left. Liver and kidneys gone. Two transplants later I’m sober, but I still remember the crushing shame that kept pulling me back every time I slipped. Today Chris Cummins (operations at Laguna Treatment Center, biggest detox/recovery hospital in Orange County) gets it from the other side. He’s seen thousands walk in defeated after relapse, carrying the same shame that almost ended me. Chris shares his own raw story — starting shots at 11, snorting methadone in PE, his fraternity rock-bottom “united front” intervention — and why relapse is the disease talking, NOT failure. We break down how shame kills progress, why family systems keep the cycle going, the “pink cloud” trap after detox, and the gratitude hack that kills shame before it kills your recovery. This one’s for anyone who’s relapsed and hates themselves for it… or watching someone they love spiral. Key moments: 00:00 — My shame story + Chris’s first words to relapsed patients 02:31 — Chris’s childhood: 8 shots before school at 11 12:51 — The “united front” rock bottom that saved us both 15:18 — Why shame is a self-fulfilling prophecy (review the tape like an Olympian) 19:47 — Family homeostasis — the #1 thing that makes relapse worse 25:48 — Daily gratitude tool that actually kills shame If this hits you or someone you love, drop a comment with your biggest takeaway — it helps more people than you know. Need 1:1 help breaking the shame cycle and staying sober? Book a mentoring call — link in bio. #Sobriety #RelapseRecovery #LiverFailure #BeatShame #WillpowerPodcast 📍Chapters:00:00 — Welcome: My Yellow-Eyed Rock Bottom & Why Shame Keeps Us Stuck 02:31 — Chris’s Story: First Shots at 11 & Building a Drinker Reputation 12:51 — The “United Front” Intervention That Changed Everything 15:18 — Relapse Isn’t Failure — Review the Tape Like an Olympian 19:47 — Family Disease: Why Homeostasis Makes Relapse Almost Impossible 22:11 — Chronic Relapse Programs & Value-Based Aftercare That Actually Works 25:48 — The Daily Gratitude Tool That Kills Shame Before It Kills Recovery 33:56 — Pink Cloud Warning & Why Most People Relapse After Discharge 🔥 8 Actionable Takeaways! First words to someone who relapsed: “I’m glad you’re alive.” No shame — just hope.Shame is a self-fulfilling prophecy. Review the “tape” like a pro athlete instead of beating yourself up.Relapse is the disease talking — not a personal failure. Those 999 sober days still count.Change your environment AND include family in treatment. Homeostasis will pull you right back otherwise.Families: Stop hyper-vigilant blame. Open communication + shared accountability = real recovery.Chronic relapsers: Get into specialized groups with people who get it. Longer stays = better outcomes.Aftercare hack: Demand value-based agreements and open conversations between facilities.Daily tool: Start small with gratitude (“I’m grateful for this coffee”). It crowds out shame. Thank you all for listening/watching. I truly appreciate each and every one of you!

    35 min
  3. Hazelden Betty Ford: Real Recovery When Alcohol Wrecks Your Liver (Joseph Skrajewski)

    MAR 20

    Hazelden Betty Ford: Real Recovery When Alcohol Wrecks Your Liver (Joseph Skrajewski)

    This episode is part of Podcasthon 2026 — thousands of podcasts dropping special episodes to spotlight nonprofits and raise funds for addiction recovery. I’m honored to feature Hazelden Betty Ford because their work saves lives and it’s personal for me. Joseph Skrajewski (National Director of Business Development – Healthcare Solutions at Hazelden Betty Ford) joins me for a raw, honest conversation about what actually works when alcohol is destroying bodies and families. We cover: How alcohol wrecks the liver and relationshipsMedical detox for cirrhosis, encephalopathy, and organ damageThe groundbreaking Sesame Street partnership for kids in addicted familiesRebuilding trust after addictionReal hope stories and why you don’t have to hit rock bottomIf you’re in liver failure, watching someone you love spiral, or just stuck in the shame loop — this one’s for you. Hazelden Betty Ford Resources: https://www.hazeldenbettyford.org Timestamps: 00:00 Intro & Podcasthon 2026 01:00 Joseph’s background & recovery story 03:10 Sesame Street partnership for kids 04:08 Medical detox for liver damage 07:04 Reaching out before it’s too late 08:51 Real hope stories from families 11:07 Free resources & how to get help Like, subscribe, and share if this helped — every view supports Podcasthon’s mission. #Podcasthon2026 #HazeldenBettyFord #AddictionRecovery #LiverFailure #SoberParenting #SobrietyJourney #FamilyHealing

    14 min
  4. “Burnout Felt Like Relapse Fog” – Jon Gustin (@thetireddad) on Sobriety, Dad Life & New Book

    MAR 13

    “Burnout Felt Like Relapse Fog” – Jon Gustin (@thetireddad) on Sobriety, Dad Life & New Book

    Hey family, it's Will Gordon on The Willpower Podcast. Two years ago yellow-eyed in a hospital bed, kidneys/liver gone from blackouts—docs said two weeks. Two transplants later, sober, but I still know the numb fog when life's grinding you down. Jon Gustin—@thetireddad to over 2 million followers—gets it from the dad side. First kid in 2016 hit like a mirror: childhood stuff undone, marriage holes, alcohol numbing everything since age 14 (alcohol poisoning in ninth grade). Quit 2023 after tolerance exploded—now 3+ years sober, co-hosts The Tired Dad & Tired Mom Podcast with wife Jessica (@the.tiredmom), and his book "The Tired Dad" drops May 5 (pre-order now at tireddad.com—100 reflections on showing up exhausted, legacy, vulnerability; extras include 5 bonus reflections + curated soundtrack). We go deep: Becoming a dad flipped everything: "Shit, figure life out"Generational cycles: Breaking military-style discipline, no emotional connectSobriety grind: Dry Jan fails, first-year hell, stacking winsBurnout like pre-relapse: Numb, isolated—family walks & kindness as resetShame/regret flip: "Past had to happen for present"Legacy: Kids feel love through actions, not just wordsDads on fumes, anyone in recovery parenting, fighting numbness—this hits different. Liver transplant or dad burnout, the fight is showing up anyway. Timestamps: 00:00 – My transplant hell & Jon's dad mirror 05:00 – Sobriety wake-up: Alcohol since 14, quit 2023 12:00 – Generational cycles: Breaking no-connect patterns 20:00 – Burnout tools: Walks, kindness, getting uncomfortable 30:00 – Book tease: 100 reflections on showing up 40:00 – Legacy: Kids feel what you do Drop your takeaway: What's one cycle you're breaking? Tag a dad grinding. 👇 National Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP (24/7 free) Follow Jon: IG/TikTok @thetireddad | Podcast: The Tired Dad & Tired Mom Pre-order book: tireddad.com (extras: soundtrack + bonus reflections) Subscribe for raw recovery stories. Much love, Will Gordon Two-time transplant survivor • Sober • Still fighting

    39 min
  5. Rare Liver Disease: Then Transplant, Sepsis & Rejection Nearly Broke Me – Daniel Eadle

    MAR 6

    Rare Liver Disease: Then Transplant, Sepsis & Rejection Nearly Broke Me – Daniel Eadle

    I know transplant hell—yellow eyes, sepsis scares, rejection fears, the mental limbo after waking up with someone else's organ keeping you alive. Two transplants later, sober and fighting, but I still remember the grind. Today's guest? Daniel Eadle, UK dad, husband, multi-genre drummer, and CEO of his heating business. Diagnosed at 19 with PSC (primary sclerosing cholangitis) and autoimmune hepatitis—a rare, no-fault liver killer—he shrugged it off for over a decade, built his life, started a family, and kept pushing. Then April 2025: full liver transplant, sepsis, infections, massive rejection bouts, six weeks in hospital, ATG nuking his immune system. But he prepped like a beast (gym, nutrition, Perspectum scans), leaned on wife/kids, and came back drumming, running his company, and advocating proactive care so others don't wait for crisis. We talk raw: Diagnosis at 19 with just a leaflet—Google spiral terror10 years grinding through flares, fatigue, yellow skin, varicose veins—still building business and familyNo-judgment compassion: Why he never judged "drinking" livers in hospital—everyone's fighting somethingTransplant call (three false alarms), high-risk surgery, mental crush no one preps you forPost-op rejection terror: "Didn't think I was coming out"Family fuel: Kids knowing everything, book "My Daddy Has Cirrhosis" to explain it allSecond-chance clarity: More active dad, less regrets on the table If you're facing chronic illness, waiting for transplant, supporting someone, or just need hope—this one's for you. Liver transplant's the same fight, alcohol or not. If you find value in what im doing. A coffee helps :) http://buymeacoffee.com/thewillpowerpodcast Timestamps 00:00 – My transplant parallels & intro to Daniel 03:00 – Diagnosis at 19: Leaflet drop & shrugging it off 08:45 – 10-year grind: Business, family, hidden fatigue 14:20 – Jaundice stares & no-judgment on "drinking" livers 19:50 – Proactive prep: Gym beast mode & Perspectum scans 25:10 – Transplant call, high-risk surgery, mental fear 31:00 – Sepsis, rejection, six weeks hospital hell 37:40 – Post-transplant limbo & new normal 42:00 – Advice: Ask questions, don't be scared—there's hope Drop your takeaway below: What's one thing you're fighting proactively today? Tag a warrior who needs this. National Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP (24/7 free support) Follow Daniel: IG @daniel.eadle | TikTok @dddrummer (drumming vibes) PSC Support UK: pscsupport.org.uk Perspectum (scans): perspectum.com Subscribe for more raw recovery stories. Hit like/share if this hit. Much love, Will Gordon Two-time transplant survivor • Sober • Still here for you

    39 min
  6. Rewire Addicted Brain: Kill Cravings & Heal Fog | Dr. Tiff Thompson

    FEB 27

    Rewire Addicted Brain: Kill Cravings & Heal Fog | Dr. Tiff Thompson

    Three years sober after a liver transplant that almost killed me... but the brain fog, guilt, and that constant pull back to chaos? Still real as hell. In this raw convo with Dr. Tiff Thompson (PhD neuro, neurotherapy CEO, BCN/QEEG expert), we break down why shame and tough love backfire in addiction recovery, how your brain gets wired for cravings (low GABA profiles, dopaminergic burnout, default mode network traps), and how neurotherapy/neurostimulation can actually rewire the damage...no meds, no nonsense We talk post-transplant fog, integrating your "shadow" old self, grieving lost identity, and starting with radical self-honesty. If you're sober but still struggling, or watching a loved one spiral, this hits home. Timestamps: 0:00 - Cold Open: Moana's Monster – Acceptance Transforms Demons 1:00 - Intro & My Transplant/Family Fallout Hell 2:00 - Tiff's Journey: From Wind Farms to Neurotherapy Love 5:00 - Why Shame/Blame Creates Resistance (Moana Scene Deep Dive) 9:00 - Rock Bottom vs. Early Intervention with Curiosity 12:00 - Addiction Scratches the Itch It Created – Yin-Yang Loop 15:00 - Neurotherapy Explained: QEEG, Montages, Cutting Cravings/Withdrawal 20:00 - Brain Fog & Trauma Post-Transplant: Wear & Tear, 100% Recuperation Potential 25:00 - The "Torn Apart" Feeling: Old Chaotic Self vs. Higher Sober Self 30:00 - Low GABA Genetic Profile – Why 1 in 10 Are Wired for Alcohol/Anxiety 35:00 - Simple At-Home Start: See Yourself As You Are & Talk It Out 40:00 - Wrap-Up & Vulnerability = Connection Would love your support 💚 buymeacoffee.com/thewillpowerpodcast Links: School of Neurotherapy: https://www.schoolofneurotherapy.comNeurofield Neurotherapy Clinic: https://www.neurofieldneurotherapy.comTiff Thompson: Search "Tiff Thompson Neurofield" for more If this episode hits, like, subscribe, comment your biggest takeaway (what's still pulling you back?), and share with someone who needs it. National Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357) – free, 24/7. #Sobriety #AddictionRecovery #Neurotherapy #BrainFog #LiverTransplantRecovery #MentalHealth #WillpowerPodcast

    34 min
  7. Eyes Shutting Was the Best Part of My Day – Dan’s Brutal Path to Liver Transplant & Sobriety

    FEB 20

    Eyes Shutting Was the Best Part of My Day – Dan’s Brutal Path to Liver Transplant & Sobriety

    Dan Sheridan (@mrsheridanshusband on TikTok, @danman147 on IG) shares the unfiltered story of drinking 18+ tins of Stella + 10 pints daily until liver failure nearly killed him. From blackout mornings, vomiting, re-drinking, a suicide-level paracetamol/Stella plan, massive GI bleed ("blood everywhere like stigmata"), to being told "plan your funeral," Dan fought through 3 years sober while on/off the transplant list. The miracle? Meeting his sober soulmate Claire on TikTok during end-stage liver disease-she researched live donation before even meeting him in person. They went from DMs to married in months, and he got his transplant just 1.5 months later. This is raw, no-BS recovery: ego check in recovery, why non-alcoholic beer can still be dangerous, masking pain from your spouse, and why "a life without alcohol is better" isn't just words-it's survival. If you're scared your drinking is heading toward liver failure, this is the episode for you. If you find value in these episodes, Id love a coffee to show support. Thanks! 🙏 https://buymeacoffee.com/thewillpowerpodcast Timestamps: 0:00 - Intro & Dan's origin 2:10 - The "hug that kills" - how alcohol tricks you 5:45 - Meeting Claire on TikTok during end-stage liver disease 8:58 - Warning signs ignored: shaking, jaundice too late 12:22 - Suicide attempt & "eyes shutting was best part of my day" 18:37 - GI bleed, 20% survival chance, "not today" defiance 23:45 - Diagnosis, willpower delusion, most critical patient 28:19 - 3 years sober pre-transplant - ego wake-up 36:29 - Transplant day: "I'm all better" moment 41:29 - Post-transplant reality: CMV, Crohn's, steroids, new normal 46:16 - Daily self-love check & non-denominational recovery 49:16 - Final advice: Stop waiting for the inevitable Connect with Dan: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mrsheridanshusband Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danman147/ If you're struggling, reach out: National Helpline (US): 1-800-662-HELP (4357) UK: Drinkline 0300 123 1110 or Alcohol Change UK Subscribe for more real recovery stories. Hit like/share if this hit home. You're not alone. 💪 #SoberLife #RecoveryJourney #LiverTransplant #AlcoholRecovery

    51 min
  8. Marine Vet's End-Stage Liver Disease: From 317 lbs to Transplant Fight (MELD 29)

    FEB 13

    Marine Vet's End-Stage Liver Disease: From 317 lbs to Transplant Fight (MELD 29)

    Andrew Mondragon — Marine veteran, dad, husband, oilfield worker — was diagnosed with end-stage liver disease in June 2025. Dropped from 317 to 190 lbs. MELD score 29. Accepted for liver transplant eval at OHSU. Still cracking jokes while fighting for his life and family. He shares the raw truth: the first signs (back pain, yellow eyes, 14 liters of fluid drained), functional alcoholism (4 shots Fireball + 2 beers nightly), denial, shame, family guilt, Marine Corps influence on suppressing emotions, and his current optimism despite the waiting game. If you're facing addiction, liver issues, or watching someone you love go through it then this episode is for you. Real, no sugarcoating, full of fight. Trigger Warning: Liver failure, addiction, family impact, transplant discussion. Help is available: 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) | 1-800-662-HELP (SAMHSA) | befrienders.org (international) Timestamps: 00:00 – Intro & Andrew's Story 01:00 – First Signs (March 2025 – Back Pain & Yellow Eyes) 04:00 – Diagnosis: Decompensated Liver Cirrhosis 05:30 – Mental Fog, Fluid Buildup, MELD 29 07:00 – Andrew's Background: Marine Corps, Oil Fields, Sheriff 09:00 – Functional Alcoholism & Denial 12:00 – Transplant Reality & Survivor's Guilt 15:00 – Positive Outlook & Future Hope 18:00 – Family Impact & Kids 20:00 – The Waiting Game & Paracentesis 22:00 – Fears & Cellular Memory 25:00 – Message to Viewers Fighting Addiction Follow Andrew: @komododrew (Instagram) Support the channel ❤️ Free 30-min Sober Mentoring: https://calendly.com/thewillpowerpodcast/30min Donate: https://buymeacoffee.com/willpowerpodcast Subscribe, like, share if this hit home. More real stories coming. #LiverTransplant #EndStageLiverDisease #SoberJourney #MarineVet #AddictionRecovery #WillpowerPodcast #MELDScore

    33 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
7 Ratings

About

Sobriety podcast featuring real addiction recovery stories and practical tools that actually work. I'm Will Gordon. Boston school teacher, two-time organ transplant survivor, and a guy who used to hide vodka bottles in places I don't even like remembering. At 35, my liver and kidneys were done. Doctors said weeks, maybe less. Transplants gave me a second shot. Sobriety gave me everything else. This isn't some shiny recovery show. It's raw conversations about what addiction actually feels like, how messy getting sober really is, and the quiet moments that slowly pull you back to life. Every Friday I talk with people who've been to the edge - some still hanging on by their fingernails - and we unpack the doubts, the small wins, the tools that actually work when everything else fails. If you're fighting cravings, questioning if it's worth it, or just need to hear someone who gets it... this is for you. Real stories. Real tools. No b******t. AND ALWAYS with Respect and Compassion. 🎧 New Episodes Every Friday: One listen could reframe your life. 🙏 Every donation helps keep this content going and reaching the people who need it most. → https://buymeacoffee.com/thewillpowerpodcast JOIN THE MOVEMENT: YouTube: @TheWillpowerPodcast (full video eps—subscribe for the visuals that hit harder).Audio Platforms: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, AudibleInstagram: @thewillpowerpodcast (daily Reels, tips, and community vibes).TikTok: @willgordonsober Connect Direct: thewillpowerpodcast@gmail.com. Book a FREE 30-minute sober mentoring session via my Calendly (link in IG bio too)—let's chat if you're ready to flip the script. "Your greatest comeback starts the moment you decide it's possible."  Feel that pull? Hit play. One story could change your lens. Subscribe, and let’s build something unstoppable. 

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