TheWillpowerPodcast with Will Gordon

Will Gordon
  • 5.0 (5)
  • SELF-IMPROVEMENT
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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. Marine Vet's End-Stage Liver Disease: From 317 lbs to Transplant Fight (MELD 29)

    2D AGO

    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 Story01:00 – First Signs (March 2025 – Back Pain & Yellow Eyes)04:00 – Diagnosis: Decompensated Liver Cirrhosis05:30 – Mental Fog, Fluid Buildup, MELD 2907:00 – Andrew's Background: Marine Corps, Oil Fields, Sheriff09:00 – Functional Alcoholism & Denial12:00 – Transplant Reality & Survivor's Guilt15:00 – Positive Outlook & Future Hope18:00 – Family Impact & Kids20:00 – The Waiting Game & Paracentesis22:00 – Fears & Cellular Memory25:00 – Message to Viewers Fighting Addiction Follow Andrew: @komododrew (Instagram)Support the channel ❤️Free 30-min Sober Mentoring: https://calendly.com/thewillpowerpodcast/30minDonate: https://buymeacoffee.com/willpowerpodcast Subscribe, like, share if this hit home. More real stories coming.#LiverTransplant #EndStageLiverDisease #SoberJourney #MarineVet #AddictionRecovery #WillpowerPodcast #MELDScore

    33 min
  2. Amber Hollingsworth: No Tough Love – Early Intervention for Families

    FEB 6

    Amber Hollingsworth: No Tough Love – Early Intervention for Families

    Amber Hollingsworth (@puttheshoveldown), a master addiction counselor with 700k+ on YouTube, joins me to show families how to intervene early with compassion, not ultimatums or tough love. We talk: The myth that “there’s nothing you can do”Functional alcoholism & enabling trapsReal boundaries (rules for yourself, not control)Why waiting for rock bottom is dangerousRebuilding trust after sobrietyHope for relapse (“it’s just a blip”) If you’re a parent, spouse, or sibling feeling helpless, stuck, or like you’re enabling — this episode is for you. Amber breaks it down clearly and kindly. If you or someone you love is struggling, help is available 24/7: • US – 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: https://988lifeline.org (call/text/chat) • US – SAMHSA National Helpline: https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline | 1-800-662-HELP • Al-Anon (family support for alcoholism): https://al-anon.org • Nar-Anon (family support for drug addiction): https://www.nar-anon.org • Canada – 988 Crisis Line: https://988.ca • Global helplines: https://www.befrienders.org Full episode live Friday 2 PM EST. Link in bio after drop. Grateful to Amber for coming on and sharing this wisdom. ❤️ @puttheshoveldown #FamilyRecovery #NoToughLove #BoundariesWithEmpathy #SoberJourney #AddictionRecovery #WillpowerPodcast

    43 min
  3. Blackout Knife Night & Suicide Attempt: Ryan Barrett's Dark Redemption (2+ Years Sober)

    JAN 23

    Blackout Knife Night & Suicide Attempt: Ryan Barrett's Dark Redemption (2+ Years Sober)

    Ryan Barrett (@ryanbarrett90) should be dead multiple times over: molested at 8, buried the shame in death metal, rebellion, blackouts, hard drugs, a near-fatal car wreck (femur shattered in 7 places), suicide attempt, yellow eyes, and a blackout knife night that almost ended everything. One morning he poured out his last glass of spiced rum, begged for help, and got sober for real. Now 2+ years sober, engaged, raising two kids, hitting the gym, restored faith in Jesus, bought a house, and uses his hell to help troubled youth every day. This is raw, dark redemption - perfectly timed for anyone fighting the last third of Dry January or any day really. If you've ever felt hopeless, watch this. Trigger Warning: Childhood trauma, suicide attempt, self-harm, addiction details. Help is available: US: 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) | 1-800-662-HELP (SAMHSA) Canada: 988 or text HOME to 741741 International: befrienders.org Timestamps: 00:00 - Intro: From Molestation to Near-Death Multiple Times 01:00 - Age 8: Sexual Molestation & The Pact of Silence 03:00 - Rebellion, Death Metal, Weed → Booze → Harder Drugs 05:00 - Car Wreck at 19 (Femur Shattered) - Still Partied 07:00 - Self-Hate & Setting Himself Up for Punishment 09:00 - Suicide Attempt: Rope Around Neck, Phone Rings 12:00 - Blackout Knife Night: Waking Up in Blood 15:00 - Poured Out the Last Spiced Rum - Stopped Drinking That Day 17:00 - Living in Party House, No Urges, Found Meditation 20:00 - Relapse After 2+ Years: "I Thought I Could Moderate" 23:00 - Split for 3 Months - Got Sober Again 25:00 - Restoring Faith in Jesus & Church Community 28:00 - Helping Troubled Youth with His Own Hell 30:00 - Message to the Guy on Day 7 of Dry January 32:00 - If Blackout Ryan Saw This Life Now... Follow Ryan: @ryanbarrett90 (Instagram - open book on recovery) Support the channel ❤️ Every donation helps. Bless you all that donate🙏 Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/willpowerpodcast Subscribe, like, share if this hit home. More real stories coming. #SoberJourney #DarkRedemption #RecoveryStory #DryJanuary #WillpowerPodcast #RyanBarrett

    42 min
  4. 3-Week Coma & Yellow Eyes: 'I Was Done – No Fight Left' | Mike Faria (@jerzeymike)

    JAN 16

    3-Week Coma & Yellow Eyes: 'I Was Done – No Fight Left' | Mike Faria (@jerzeymike)

    Mike Faria (@jerzeymike) shares his raw journey – from guilt over his cousin's drunk driving death, 5 years of daily drinking, to a 3-week coma in 2020 with yellow eyes, fluid buildup, kidneys failing, and doctors prepping his family for the worst. He woke up anyway, got sober on August 23, 2022, rebuilt his body, his family, met the love of his life, and became the family man he always intended to be. Mike's the kind of guy who shares his story raw on Instagram to keep others alive. This episode is real, no sugarcoating – grief, denial, rock bottom, the moment his son gave him purpose, and the miracle of his liver recovery. If you're struggling or know someone who is, this one's for you. Trigger Warning: Coma, alcohol withdrawal, grief, self-harm ideation. Help available:US Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741SAMHSA Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357)Canada: 988 (or 1-833-456-4566) Timestamps:00:00 – Intro & Mike's Early Chaos00:58 – Guilt Over Cousin & Daily Drinking03:36 – 5-Year Binge & Rock Bottom05:16 – Son as Turning Point07:45 – Darkest Night & Self-Destruction09:29 – Morning of Reckoning (Yellow Eyes)11:34 – 3-Week Coma & Waking Up15:06 – Hope from Dr. Raquel19:42 – Hospital Struggles & Compassion25:14 – "You Can't Do It Alone" Message26:57 – Surrender & The Lock Inside29:45 – Life Now: Clarity & Pride32:10 – Losses as Wins34:39 – Closing & Where to Find Mike Follow Mike: @jerzeymike (Instagram/Threads – raw sobriety inspiration) Support the podcast ❤️Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/willpowerpodcast Sober Mentoring (free 30-min chat): https://calendly.com/thewillpowerpodcast/30min Subscribe, like, share if this moved you. More real stories coming.

    38 min
  5. 9 Years Sober After Induced Coma: 'I Was Angry They Saved Me' | Richard Ratcliffe

    JAN 9

    9 Years Sober After Induced Coma: 'I Was Angry They Saved Me' | Richard Ratcliffe

    Richard Ratcliffe (@the.recovery.club - 100k+ followers) joins the Willpower Podcast for a raw, heartfelt talk on his 9-year sober journey. From childhood shame and "wearing masks" to fit in, to daily 2 liters of vodka leading to seizures, an induced coma at 24, and doctors warning "you won't make 25" - Richard opens up about waking up angry to be alive, true surrender, turning grief into purpose through vulnerability and his "12 Steps to Freedom" blueprint. Real wisdom on shame as a "backpack of boulders," early sobriety agony, codependency, and carrying your "shadow self" with kindness. If you're in recovery or loving someone who is, this is gold. Trigger Warning: Discusses coma, seizures, grief, suicide ideation, addiction rock bottoms. If struggling: US Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988 Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 SAMHSA Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357) Canada Suicide Prevention: 988 (or 1-833-456-4566) Timestamps: 00:00 - Intro & Childhood Shame 05:09 - Alcohol as "Medicine" 10:09 - Daily Vodka & Internal Battle 13:24 - Induced Coma Rock Bottom 18:31 - Shame Lives in Silence 26:20 - Surrender & New Way of Life 33:28 - Early Sobriety Agony 37:17 - Deeper Wounds: Abandonment & Codependency 42:07 - Speed Round: Addiction Lies & Myths 47:44 - Grief, Purpose & Why We Share Follow Richard: @the.recovery.club (DM "freedom" for his blueprint) His book: 12 Steps to Freedom (link in comments) Support the podcast ❤️ Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/willpowerpodcast (active - every coffee keeps these stories coming!) Sober Mentoring: https://calendly.com/thewillpowerpodcast/30min Subscribe, like, share if this moved you. More real recovery ahead.

    40 min
  6. Near Fatal OD & Alcohol Withdrawal Saved His Life – 9 Months Sober Musician Shares All

    JAN 2

    Near Fatal OD & Alcohol Withdrawal Saved His Life – 9 Months Sober Musician Shares All

    Chester Alarie, a 34-year-old musician from Montreal, opens up about his 17-year battle with drugs and alcohol that led to depression, multiple rock bottoms, a near-fatal overdose, and alcohol withdrawal in January 2024. FULL DISCLOSURE> YOU WILL ABSOLUTELY WANT TO LISTEN TO THE END. THIS EPISODE IS AS ENTERTAINING AS A RECOVERY PODCAST CAN GET! After rehab, relapses, and finally working the 12 steps, Chester is now 9 months sober, happier than ever, and making music full-time. This conversation is raw, honest, and full of hope – from the darkest moments to finding joy sober on stage. Trigger Warning: This episode discusses overdose, withdrawal, suicide attempts, and other heavy topics. If you're struggling, please reach out for help. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (US): 988 Crisis Text Line (US): Text HOME to 741741 Canada Suicide Prevention Service: 988 (or 1-833-456-4566) SAMHSA National Helpline (US): 1-800-662-HELP (4357) Timestamps: 00:00 – Near Fatal Overdose & Withdrawal 02:46 – Early Struggles & Depression 07:55 – Rock Bottoms Begin 17:21 – Loss & Grief 24:16 – The OD That Changed Everything 38:54 – Relapses & Moderation Lies 49:18 – Happiest Sober Moment (Crying on Stage) 1:01:11 – Comparison is the Thief of Joy Connect with Chester: Instagram: @chester_alarie Connect with Will: https://www.instagram.com/thewillpowerpodcast Support the podcast (if you feel called): Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/willpowerpodcast (active & appreciated ❤️) Need someone to talk to? My 1-on-1 mentoring → https://calendly.com/thewillpowerpodcast/30min 🧥 RCVR Apparel → Rock recovery-inspired gear with pride. Save 10% with code WILLPOWER10 at https://rcvrbrand.com 💊 LiverMedic Supplements → Feel your best with natural liver support. Use code WILL10 for 10% off at https://liverlifesupplements.com 🎤 AMPLIFY Sober Voices (Jan 15, 2026) → Join sober creators at Podfest 2026. Get $20 off with code WILLPOWER20 at https://amplify.soberliferocks.com 📚 Shortform (reading made easy) → Dig deeper into recovery books! Sign up at https://shortform.com/twpp and get a FREE TRIAL + $50 OFF your annual subscription. If this episode helped you or someone you know, hit subscribe and share it. More real stories coming soon. Thank you for being part of this community. And a VERY HAPPY NEW YEAR! I believe 2026 will be OUR BEST yet! Thanks for being apart of this community! It means the world ✊ #Sobriety #RecoveryStory #AlcoholAddiction #OverdoseSurvival #SoberMusician #12Steps #RockBottom #SoberLife #AddictionRecovery #MentalHealth #WillpowerPodcast #Sober2026 #RelapseToRecovery #SoberJourney

    1h 2m

  7. 12/27/2025

    Rick Duff: 6 Months Sober, Quitting Alcohol, Addiction Recovery & Forever Reckless Album Story

    What's up everyone, Will Gordon here from The Willpower Podcast. This one's a banger – sat down with Quebec country rocker Rick Duff @Duff.yeehaw, who's 6 months sober and absolutely crushing it with his debut album Forever Reckless. Rick lays it all out: going from bricklayer to Canada's got talent show finale overnight, the wild party days in his 20s, those "loser birds" chirping after all-nighters, getting hammered through five straight shows and knowing he was letting fans down... that was his wake-up call to quit booze and drugs for good. We get deep on the guilt, the crossroads moment,surprising confidence from stacking sober days, sober hacks for touring, and turning massive pain – including losing his best friend Matthew to addiction – into therapy on tracks. Album's dedicated to him, man. Songs like "Reckless" and "Ford Ranger" hit hard. If you're grinding through quitting drinking, battling addiction, or just need some real talk on mental health and showing up better – this is the one. Rick's proof you can flip the script and give your best self to the people who believe in you. Timestamps: 00:00 - Cold open hook + Quebec weather banter 02:26 - Fame explosion from TV show 03:44 - Rock bottom: 5 wasted nights on stage 07:07 - The moment booze was stealing his voice 10:02 - Loser birds & choosing sobriety 17:21 - Losing Matthew & the album dedication 26:07 - Sober touring hacks 28:23 - Motivation from other artists/books 30:13 - What's next for Rick 34:25 - Rick's final words Stream Forever Reckless everywhere and follow Rick: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4MNUaMf0Yl05yY6x342xBHInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/rickduffmusic/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@rickduffmusicYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Duff.yeehawWebsite: https://rickduffmusic.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DUFFOFFICIEL/ Hit subscribe if these stories fire you up – we're building a community of people stacking wins and getting after it sober. Drop a comment if Rick's story hit home. If you're getting value from the show and want to help me keep grinding these episodes full-time (editing two a day sometimes takes all day!), a coffee on BuyMeACoffee means the world: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/willpowerpodcast Other ways to support (keeps the lights on while I chase this dream): RCVR gear: https://rcvrbrand.com/LiverMedic supplements: https://livermedic.com/AMPLIFY Sober events: https://amplify.soberliferocks.com/Thanks for being here, fam. Let's keep the willpower rolling.

    39 min

  8. 12/19/2025

    Therapist Spent 30 Years Fixing Addicts… Then Became One Herself

    Dr. Sarah Michaud spent 30 years as a clinical psychologist helping addicts and codependents climb out of hell… only to wake up one day and realize she was living in the exact same hell. From people-pleasing therapist to full-blown addict and codependent, she hit rock bottom, got sober, wrote the raw book Co-Crazy, and now co-hosts the hit podcast Leaving Crazy Land. This conversation is different. If you grew up trying to keep everyone happy, if you still don’t know what YOU actually want, or if sobriety feels like it’s missing something… this one will hit different. Watch now. Connect with Dr. Sarah Website → https://drsarahmichaud.com Podcast (Leaving Crazy Land) → Search “Leaving Crazy Land” on your platform Book Co-Crazy → Available everywhere Need someone to talk to? My 1-on-1 mentoring → https://calendly.com/thewillpowerpodcast/30min Support the show : 🤝 If you believe in the mission of spreading hope and healing through real recovery stories, please consider donating to the podcast. Every dollar helps keep this content going and reaching the people who need it most → https://buymeacoffee.com/thewillpowerpodcast 🧥 RCVR Apparel → Rock recovery-inspired gear with pride. Save 10% with code WILLPOWER10 at https://rcvrbrand.com 💊 LiverMedic Supplements → Feel your best with natural liver support. Use code WILL10 for 10% off at https://liverlifesupplements.com 🎤 AMPLIFY Sober Voices (Jan 15, 2026) → Join sober creators at Podfest 2026. Get $20 off with code WILLPOWER20 at https://amplify.soberliferocks.com 📚 Shortform (reading made easy) → Dig deeper into recovery books. Sign up at https://shortform.com/twpp and get a FREE TRIAL + $50 OFF your annual subscription. Timestamps 00:00 Therapist becomes the patient 00:54 First drink at 16 – “It was the solution” 04:25 Bank robbery to pay a coke dealer 09:15 Growing up in alcoholism & feeling “different” 13:37 Why year 2-3 of sobriety is the hardest 21:22 What codependency really is (and why it’s deadly) 29:43 The fear that drives people-pleasing 33:27 “Put down the drink for 30 days and see” 42:37 Best advice for anyone realizing they drink too much Drop a ❤️ if this hit home. Subscribe Please – new episode every week. #Codependency #PeoplePleaser #Sober #QuitDrinking #Recovery

    43 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
5 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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