TheWillpowerPodcast

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 bullshit.

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:

"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. 

Listen on:

  • Apple Podcasts
  • Spotify
  • Amazon Music
  • iHeartRadio
  • PlayerFM
  • Listen Notes
  • Podchaser
  • BoomPlay

Episodes

Friday Nov 14, 2025

He hit rock bottom after a DUI. Now, Chaplain Sy Ali is 5 years sober, and helping others transform their lives. From elite protection agent to homeless veteran, this is the powerful true story of recovery, redemption, and rediscovering purpose through faith and service.In this episode of the Will Power Podcast, Sy shares how PTSD, loss, and addiction nearly destroyed him—and how reading the Bible, becoming a chaplain, and working with at-risk youth and fellow veterans changed everything. We dive into his journey from alcohol dependence to spiritual leadership, and how he now uses his story to heal others.🎧 What you’ll hear:• Why Sy surrendered after a life-altering DUI• The hidden toll of PTSD and emotional suppression• What it really feels like to be homeless• How he rebuilt his life at 60 with zero money• His advice for anyone struggling with addiction or doubt✨ Whether you're battling personal demons or just seeking hope, this is a story you don’t want to miss.📚 Read Sy Ali’s memoir Out of the Storm🌐 Learn more about his youth work at Alivio Learning📢 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more unfiltered stories of human willpower.👉 Book a 1:1 Sober Mentoring Session Today—LINK BELOWhttps://calendly.com/thewillpowerpodcast/30min🙏 If this episode hits home, drop a comment and let us know. And PLEASE—smash that subscribe button so we can keep these powerful convos coming.🧥 RCVR Apparel: Rock recovery-inspired gear with pride.Save 10% with code thewillpowerpodcast at rcvrbrand.com/thewillpowerpodcast💊 Liver Medic Supplements: Feel your best with natural liver support.Use code THEWILLPOWERPODCAST10off for 10% off at livermedic.com/discount/THEWILLPOWERPODCAST10off🎤 AMPLIFY Sober Voices (Jan 15, 2026): Join sober creators at Podfest 2026.Get $20 off with code WILL at amplify.soberliferocks.com

Friday Nov 07, 2025

Can you really rebuild your entire life after 30 years lost to alcohol? In this raw and powerful episode of the Will Power Podcast, Ian Fee shares his unfiltered alcohol recovery journey — from being a high-functioning alcoholic who spent over $1 million on booze, to becoming a present father, dropping 80 pounds, and living 8 years fully sober.Ian opens up about:- The shocking truth behind his rehab experience- How aversion therapy rewired his brain- The moment that changed everything on Day 3- Losing two marriages — and regaining self-worth- The daily habits that keep him sharp and soberThis isn’t just another sobriety story — it’s a transformation masterclass. If you’re struggling with addiction, self-sabotage, or wondering if it’s too late to turn it all around… this is for you.👉 Book a 1:1 Sober Mentoring Session Today—LINK BELOWhttps://calendly.com/thewillpowerpodcast/30min🙏 If this episode hits home, drop a comment and let us know. And PLEASE—smash that subscribe button so we can keep these powerful convos coming.🧥 RCVR Apparel: Rock recovery-inspired gear with pride.Save 10% with code thewillpowerpodcast at rcvrbrand.com/thewillpowerpodcast💊 Liver Medic Supplements: Feel your best with natural liver support.Use code THEWILLPOWERPODCAST10off for 10% off at livermedic.com/discount/THEWILLPOWERPODCAST10off🎤 AMPLIFY Sober Voices (Jan 15, 2026): Join sober creators at Podfest 2026.Get $20 off with code WILL at amplify.soberliferocks.com

Friday Oct 31, 2025

In this episode of The WillPower Podcast, Chad Dunn shares how he went from chasing adrenaline as a BMX rider to six DUIs, crack addiction, and a 30-month sentence in federal prison.He opens up about the moment he knew he had to change, how meeting a sober bartender shifted his path, and why losing his freedom—not just his health—was the real rock bottom.Now sober, he trains pro athletes and lives with purpose every day.A raw, honest story of hitting bottom and climbing back with clarity.💬 Comment below with your thoughts, questions, or just to say you’re on the journey too.🙏 If this episode hits home, drop a comment and let us know. And PLEASE—smash that subscribe button so we can keep these powerful convos coming.🙏 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 thewillpowerpodcast at rcvrbrand.com/thewillpowerpodcast💊 Liver Medic Supplements: Feel your best with natural liver support.Use code THEWILLPOWERPODCAST10off for 10% off at livermedic.com/discount/THEWILLPOWERPODCAST10off🎤 AMPLIFY Sober Voices (Jan 15, 2026): Join sober creators at Podfest 2026.Get $20 off with code WILL at amplify.soberliferocks.com

Friday Oct 24, 2025

What happens when the party ends—and the pain begins?Candice Combs' sobriety journey started in a chaotic childhood filled with addiction, trauma, and survival in the streets of New Orleans. After quitting drinking at 23 and finding success in tech, she built a thriving wellness business. But years later, alcohol addiction came roaring back—nearly destroying her life and relationship.Now, 10 years sober, Candice shares her raw recovery story in this powerful conversation with Will Gordon. From being drunk at 11 to becoming the founder of Sober Reset and In Symmetry Spa, she opens up about trauma, transformation, and the exact moment she said, “I’m never drinking again.”This is more than just a tale of addiction. It’s about rebuilding, reclaiming identity, and redefining what healing really looks like. If you're searching for hope, clarity, or real talk about sobriety—this episode is for you.🎧 Topics covered:- Her first drink at age 11- Navigating a toxic family environment- The moment she knew alcohol had to go—for good- How her business masked the relapse- Building Sober Reset to help others📌 This episode is a must-watch for anyone navigating sobriety, mental health, or the path back to self-love.🙏 If this episode hits home, drop a comment and let us know. And PLEASE—smash that subscribe button so we can keep these powerful convos coming.🙏 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 thewillpowerpodcast at rcvrbrand.com/thewillpowerpodcast💊 Liver Medic Supplements: Feel your best with natural liver support.Use code THEWILLPOWERPODCAST10off for 10% off at livermedic.com/discount/THEWILLPOWERPODCAST10off🎤 AMPLIFY Sober Voices (Jan 15, 2026): Join sober creators at Podfest 2026.Get $20 off with code WILL at amplify.soberliferocks.com#Recovery #SoberReset #SobrietyJourney #CandiceCombs #AlcoholAddiction #WillPowerPodcast #MentalHealth #PersonalGrowth

Friday Oct 17, 2025

In this deeply raw episode of The Willpower Podcast, host Will Gordon sits down with Jimmy Thistle — a recovery advocate, ex-alcoholic, and peer mentor — who shares the powerful journey from addiction to healing. Jimmy opens up about growing up in Scotland, early drinking culture, losing control, multiple rock bottoms, and finding true transformation in sobriety.If you or someone you know is struggling with alcohol use disorder (AUD), this episode is a must-listen. From his first drink at 14 to life-changing rehab during the COVID-19 lockdown, Jimmy’s honest story will resonate with anyone navigating the complex path of recovery.🔔 Subscribe for more inspiring recovery stories, mindset tips, and sober mentoring advice.📍 Key Topics:👉Binge drinking culture in the UK👉Signs of addiction & self-denial👉The emotional toll of alcohol abuse👉Rehab experience during COVID-19👉Sober mentoring, peer support, & building a new life🎧 Follow Jimmy:IG: @recovery_jimmyPodcast: After Hours with Jimmy Thistle🙏 If this episode hits home, drop a comment and let us know. And PLEASE—smash that subscribe button so we can keep these powerful convos coming.🙏 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 thewillpowerpodcast at rcvrbrand.com/thewillpowerpodcast💊 Liver Medic Supplements: Feel your best with natural liver support.Use code THEWILLPOWERPODCAST10off for 10% off at livermedic.com/discount/THEWILLPOWERPODCAST10off🎤 AMPLIFY Sober Voices (Jan 15, 2026): Join sober creators at Podfest 2026.Get $20 off with code WILL at amplify.soberliferocks.com

Friday Oct 10, 2025

Welcome back to another powerful episode of the Willpower Podcast. This one right here? It’s personal, it’s raw, and it might just change the way you think about alcohol.I sat down with Mel Burbank — she’s a 3.5-year sober badass, former fitness studio owner, CBT specialist, and the founder of Alcohol Free Females. And let me tell you, this convo went deep.We talked about:👉 Growing up in New Orleans, where partying is practically a religion👉 Living a double life — health coach by day, binge drinker by night👉 The one night that made her never touch alcohol again👉 Why sobriety isn't punishment — it's actually a superpower👉 How she helps high-achieving women break the wine culture trap👉 The whole truth about what alcohol does to your identity, body, and lifeThis isn’t your average “quit drinking” story. This is a full-on identity shift. If you’ve ever felt like something’s holding you back — this episode is for you.🎧 Plug in. Let this one sit with you.🎥 And if you’re ready to see what life could look like without the booze… hit play.🔗 Follow Mel on IG: @alcoholfreefemales💥 She’s doing weekly masterclasses to help women change their lives🙏 If this episode hits home, drop a comment and let us know. And PLEASE—smash that subscribe button so we can keep these powerful convos coming.🙏 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 thewillpowerpodcast at rcvrbrand.com/thewillpowerpodcast💊 Liver Medic Supplements: Feel your best with natural liver support.Use code THEWILLPOWERPODCAST10off for 10% off at livermedic.com/discount/THEWILLPOWERPODCAST10off🎤 AMPLIFY Sober Voices (Jan 15, 2026): Join sober creators at Podfest 2026.Get $20 off with code WILL at amplify.soberliferocks.com

Friday Oct 03, 2025

In this episode of the Willpower Podcast, Kevin Decapitron shares his raw, unfiltered story of growing up around alcohol, working as a bartender in Los Angeles and Las Vegas, and how drinking eventually led to liver cirrhosis by his late 20s.From hiding bottles to waking up jaundiced and facing terrifying medical diagnoses, Kevin opens up about the pain, shame, and eventual clarity that led him to sobriety. This is a story of addiction, cirrhosis, rock bottom, and the fight for a second chance at life.If you or someone you know is struggling with alcohol, this conversation is a must-watch.👉 Don’t forget to subscribe for more powerful sobriety stories, recovery journeys, and honest conversations about addiction and healing.📲 Follow Kevin on Instagram: @thedecapitron🙏 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 thewillpowerpodcast at rcvrbrand.com/thewillpowerpodcast💊 Liver Medic Supplements: Feel your best with natural liver support.Use code THEWILLPOWERPODCAST10off for 10% off at livermedic.com/discount/THEWILLPOWERPODCAST10off🎤 AMPLIFY Sober Voices (Jan 15, 2026): Join sober creators at Podfest 2026.Get $20 off with code WILL at amplify.soberliferocks.com

Friday Sep 26, 2025

Nisha Patel got sober at 24. Today, with 17 years of sobriety, she’s a therapist and sobriety coach helping others live alcohol-free lives filled with purpose.In this episode of the Willpower Podcast, Nisha shares:• Her journey from rebellion & addiction to long-term sobriety• Why the first 5 years are the foundation for recovery• How mindfulness & therapy (DBT) helped regulate emotions• The power of finding your “why” — and why it’s often really a “why not”• Why we relapse, and how to break free from cycles of self-destruction• How to live in alignment with your values👉 If you’re struggling with alcohol addiction or want to strengthen your sobriety, this conversation will give you tools, hope, and inspiration.🔔 Subscribe for more sober stories & recovery tools: Willpower Podcast on YouTube, Spotify & Apple Podcasts.📲 Follow Danielle on Instagram: @nishapatelcoaching🙏 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 thewillpowerpodcast at rcvrbrand.com/thewillpowerpodcast💊 Liver Medic Supplements: Feel your best with natural liver support.Use code THEWILLPOWERPODCAST10off for 10% off at livermedic.com/discount/THEWILLPOWERPODCAST10off🎤 AMPLIFY Sober Voices (Jan 15, 2026): Join sober creators at Podfest 2026.Get $20 off with code WILL at amplify.soberliferocks.com

Friday Sep 19, 2025

Joel’s story is one of the most powerful episodes yet on the Willpower Podcast. Diagnosed with cirrhosis at just 45 years old, Joel was forced to face the devastating truth about his drinking. The twist? He worked in a liquor store, surrounded by the very thing that nearly ended his life.In this episode, Joel shares:His journey from denial to cirrhosis diagnosisWhat it’s like living with liver disease while working in alcohol salesThe dangerous signs of liver damage you might be ignoringHow sobriety and lifestyle changes gave him a second chance👉 If you’ve ever questioned your relationship with alcohol or worry about liver health, this conversation could change everything.💡 Remember: Cirrhosis is called the silent killer for a reason. Don’t wait until it’s too late—get your liver panel checked and take action.Subscribe for more inspiring recovery stories and real conversations about sobriety, liver disease, and mental health.🆘 Safety note: We’re sharing personal experiences, not medical advice. If you’re trying to quit, seek medical care—alcohol withdrawal can be dangerous.🧥 RCVR Apparel: Rock recovery-inspired gear with pride.Save 10% with code thewillpowerpodcast at rcvrbrand.com/thewillpowerpodcast💊 Liver Medic Supplements: Feel your best with natural liver support.Use code THEWILLPOWERPODCAST10off for 10% off at livermedic.com/discount/THEWILLPOWERPODCAST10off🎤 AMPLIFY Sober Voices (Jan 15, 2026): Join sober creators at Podfest 2026.Get $20 off with code WILL at amplify.soberliferocks.com

Saturday Sep 13, 2025

Olympic bobsledding looks thrilling from the outside — 95 mph speeds, tight turns, and world-class competition. But behind the medals lies a hidden epidemic: CTE.In this episode of The Willpower Podcast, former Team USA bobsledder William Person opens up about his 9 years on the track, the repeated head trauma known as “sled head,” and the devastating toll it took on his brain and his life.From confusion, vertigo, and crippling anxiety to forgetting familiar faces, William shares how hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) gave him hope — and why he’s fighting to build a nonprofit recovery center for athletes and veterans with brain injuries.This conversation is about more than bobsledding. It’s about CTE, athlete health, and why awareness and treatment access matter.🟢 Subscribe for more real recovery stories & tools: The Willpower Podcast with Will Gordon.🎧 Full audio on Spotify & Apple Podcasts.🆘 Safety note: We’re sharing personal experiences, not medical advice. If you’re trying to quit, seek medical care—alcohol withdrawal can be dangerous.🧥 RCVR Apparel: Rock recovery-inspired gear with pride.Save 10% with code thewillpowerpodcast at rcvrbrand.com/thewillpowerpodcast💊 Liver Medic Supplements: Feel your best with natural liver support.Use code THEWILLPOWERPODCAST10off for 10% off at livermedic.com/discount/THEWILLPOWERPODCAST10off🎤 AMPLIFY Sober Voices (Jan 15, 2026): Join sober creators at Podfest 2026.Get $20 off with code WILL at amplify.soberliferocks.com

Image

Two years ago, doctors gave me 2 weeks to live because of my drinking. My liver? Failed. My kidneys? Shutting down. My denial? Still strong as ever. I needed an emergency liver AND kidney transplant just to survive. Yeah - it got that bad before I finally "got it." But here's why I'm telling you this... You don't have to wait until you're where I was. You don't have to end up in that hospital bed. You don't have to put your family through what mine went through. That's why I created TheWillpowerPodcast. Every week, I bring you: • Raw, honest conversations about drinking and recovery • Real stories from people who've been there • Practical tips for getting (and staying) sober • Proof that sober life isn't just better - it's actually amazing Whether you're: • Wondering if you're drinking "too much" • Tried to quit but keep going back • Supporting someone who's struggling • Already on your sober journey • Just sober curious ...this channel is your wake-up call and your roadmap to a better life. I survived for a reason - to help you avoid my mistakes and show you there's an incredible life waiting on the other side of "just one more drink." Subscribe now and join thousands of others who are discovering what life looks like beyond the bottle. Trust me, it's better than you can imagine. New episodes drop every week. Subscribe and Hit that notification bell so you don't miss the video that might just save your life - or someone else's. Let's do this together. 💪 I post a TON on my Instagram page, too. So please follow me here for more content  instagram_1x.png / thewillpowerpodcast   #SoberLife #Recovery #AddictionRecovery #SoberCurious #MentalHealth #TheWillpowerPodcast © TheWillPowerPodcast | All Rights Reserved

Copyright 2024 All rights reserved.

Podcast Powered By Podbean

Version: 20241125