TheWillpowerPodcast

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 terror* 10 years grinding through flares, fatigue, yellow skin, varicose veins—still building business and family* No-judgment compassion: Why he never judged "drinking" livers in hospital—everyone's fighting something* Transplant call (three false alarms), high-risk surgery, mental crush no one preps you for* Post-op rejection terror: "Didn't think I was coming out"* Family fuel: Kids knowing everything, book "My Daddy Has Cirrhosis" to explain it all* Second-chance clarity: More active dad, less regrets on the tableIf 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 I'm doing. A coffee is a great way to show your appreciation. 💚http://buymeacoffee.com/thewillpowerpodcastTimestamps00:00 – My transplant parallels & intro to Daniel03:00 – Diagnosis at 19: Leaflet drop & shrugging it off08:45 – 10-year grind: Business, family, hidden fatigue14:20 – Jaundice stares & no-judgment on "drinking" livers19:50 – Proactive prep: Gym beast mode & Perspectum scans25:10 – Transplant call, high-risk surgery, mental fear31:00 – Sepsis, rejection, six weeks hospital hell37:40 – Post-transplant limbo & new normal42:00 – Advice: Ask questions, don't be scared—there's hopeDrop 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: http://pscsupport.org.ukPerspectum (scans): http://perspectum.comSubscribe for more raw recovery stories. Hit like/share if this hit. Much love,Will GordonTwo-time transplant survivor • Sober • Still here for you

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 nonsenseWe 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 Demons1:00 - Intro & My Transplant/Family Fallout Hell2:00 - Tiff's Journey: From Wind Farms to Neurotherapy Love5:00 - Why Shame/Blame Creates Resistance (Moana Scene Deep Dive)9:00 - Rock Bottom vs. Early Intervention with Curiosity12:00 - Addiction Scratches the Itch It Created – Yin-Yang Loop15:00 - Neurotherapy Explained: QEEG, Montages, Cutting Cravings/Withdrawal20:00 - Brain Fog & Trauma Post-Transplant: Wear & Tear, 100% Recuperation Potential25:00 - The "Torn Apart" Feeling: Old Chaotic Self vs. Higher Sober Self30:00 - Low GABA Genetic Profile – Why 1 in 10 Are Wired for Alcohol/Anxiety35:00 - Simple At-Home Start: See Yourself As You Are & Talk It Out40:00 - Wrap-Up & Vulnerability = ConnectionWould love your support 💚http://buymeacoffee.com/thewillpowerpodcastLinks:* School of Neurotherapy: https://www.schoolofneurotherapy.com* Neurofield Neurotherapy Clinic: https://www.neurofieldneurotherapy.com* Tiff Thompson: Search "Tiff Thompson Neurofield" for moreIf 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

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/thewillpowerpodcastTimestamps:0:00 - Intro & Dan's origin2:10 - The "hug that kills" - how alcohol tricks you5:45 - Meeting Claire on TikTok during end-stage liver disease8:58 - Warning signs ignored: shaking, jaundice too late12:22 - Suicide attempt & "eyes shutting was best part of my day"18:37 - GI bleed, 20% survival chance, "not today" defiance23:45 - Diagnosis, willpower delusion, most critical patient28:19 - 3 years sober pre-transplant - ego wake-up36:29 - Transplant day: "I'm all better" moment41:29 - Post-transplant reality: CMV, Crohn's, steroids, new normal46:16 - Daily self-love check & non-denominational recovery49:16 - Final advice: Stop waiting for the inevitableConnect with Dan:TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mrsheridanshusbandInstagram: 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 UKSubscribe for more real recovery stories. Hit like/share if this hit home. You're not alone. 💪#SoberLife #RecoveryJourney #LiverTransplant #AlcoholRecovery

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) | http://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 AddictionFollow Andrew: https://www.instagram.com/komododrew/(Instagram)https://buymeacoffee.com/thewillpowerpodcastFree 30-min Sober Mentoring: https://calendly.com/thewillpowerpodcast/30min* _Donate:_ * https://buymeacoffee.com/willpowerpodcastSubscribe, like, share if this hit home. More real stories coming.#LiverTransplant #EndStageLiverDisease #SoberJourney #MarineVet #AddictionRecovery #WillpowerPodcast #MELDScore

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 traps* Real boundaries (rules for yourself, not control)* Why waiting for rock bottom is dangerous* Rebuilding trust after sobriety* Hope 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.orgGrateful to Amber for coming on and sharing this wisdom. ❤️@PutTheShovelDown #FamilyRecovery #NoToughLove #BoundariesWithEmpathy #SoberJourney #AddictionRecovery #WillpowerPodcast

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 741741International:http://befrienders.org*Timestamps:*00:00 - Intro: From Molestation to Near-Death Multiple Times01:00 - Age 8: Sexual Molestation & The Pact of Silence03:00 - Rebellion, Death Metal, Weed → Booze → Harder Drugs05:00 - Car Wreck at 19 (Femur Shattered) - Still Partied07:00 - Self-Hate & Setting Himself Up for Punishment09:00 - Suicide Attempt: Rope Around Neck, Phone Rings12:00 - Blackout Knife Night: Waking Up in Blood15:00 - Poured Out the Last Spiced Rum - Stopped Drinking That Day17:00 - Living in Party House, No Urges, Found Meditation20:00 - Relapse After 2+ Years: "I Thought I Could Moderate"23:00 - Split for 3 Months - Got Sober Again25:00 - Restoring Faith in Jesus & Church Community28:00 - Helping Troubled Youth with His Own Hell30:00 - Message to the Guy on Day 7 of Dry January32:00 - 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/willpowerpodcastSubscribe, like, share if this hit home. More real stories coming.#SoberJourney #DarkRedemption #RecoveryStory #DryJanuary #WillpowerPodcast #RyanBarrett

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 MikeFollow Mike: @jerzeymike (Instagram/Threads – raw sobriety inspiration)support the podcast ❤️Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/willpowerpodcastSober Mentoring (free 30-min chat):https://calendly.com/thewillpowerpodcast/30minSubscribe, like, share if this moved you. More real stories coming.

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

Richard Ratcliffe (@http://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: 988Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741SAMHSA Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357)Canada Suicide Prevention: 988 (or 1-833-456-4566)Timestamps:00:00 - Intro & Childhood Shame05:09 - Alcohol as "Medicine"10:09 - Daily Vodka & Internal Battle13:24 - Induced Coma Rock Bottom18:31 - Shame Lives in Silence26:20 - Surrender & New Way of Life33:28 - Early Sobriety Agony37:17 - Deeper Wounds: Abandonment & Codependency42:07 - Speed Round: Addiction Lies & Myths47:44 - Grief, Purpose & Why We ShareFollow Richard: @http://the.recovery.club (DM "freedom" for his blueprint)His book: 12 Steps to Freedom 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/30minSubscribe, like, share if this moved you. More real recovery ahead.

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): 988Crisis Text Line (US): Text HOME to 741741Canada Suicide Prevention Service: 988 (or 1-833-456-4566)SAMHSA National Helpline (US): 1-800-662-HELP (4357)*Timestamps:*00:00 – Near Fatal Overdose & Withdrawal02:46 – Early Struggles & Depression07:55 – Rock Bottoms Begin17:21 – Loss & Grief24:16 – The OD That Changed Everything38:54 – Relapses & Moderation Lies49:18 – Happiest Sober Moment (Crying on Stage)1:01:11 – Comparison is the Thief of JoyConnect with Chester: https://www.instagram.com/@chester_alarieConnect with Will: https://www.instagram.com/thewillpowerpodcastSupport 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

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 banter02:26 - Fame explosion from TV show03:44 - Rock bottom: 5 wasted nights on stage07:07 - The moment booze was stealing his voice10:02 - Loser birds & choosing sobriety17:21 - Losing Matthew & the album dedication26:07 - Sober touring hacks 28:23 - Motivation from other artists/books30:13 - What's next for Rick34:25 - Rick's final wordsStream 'Forever Reckless' everywhere and follow Rick:* Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4MNUaMf0Yl05yY6x342xBH* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rickduffmusic/* TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@rickduffmusic* YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@UCmRtCeGZ82yx3DEc6VaWu9w * Website: 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/willpowerpodcastOther ways to support (keeps the lights on while I chase this dream):Need someone to talk to? My 1-on-1 mentoring → https://calendly.com/thewillpowerpodcast/30min🤝 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.#canadasgottalent #soberlife #recoveryispossible