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.
đ§ New Episodes Every Friday: One listen could reframe your life.
đ Every donation helps keep this content going and reaching the people who need it most. â https://buymeacoffee.com/thewillpowerpodcast
JOIN THE MOVEMENT:
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YouTube: @TheWillpowerPodcast (full video epsâsubscribe for the visuals that hit harder).
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Audio Platforms: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Audible
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Instagram: @thewillpowerpodcast (daily Reels, tips, and community vibes).
- TikTok: @willgordonsober
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Connect Direct: thewillpowerpodcast@gmail.com. Book a FREE 30-minute sober mentoring session via my Calendly (link in IG bio too)âlet's chat if you're ready to flip the script.
"Your greatest comeback starts the moment you decide it's possible." Â Feel that pull? Hit play. One story could change your lens. Subscribe, and letâs build something unstoppable.Â
Episodes

Friday Nov 14, 2025
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 himâand 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.đ§ What youâll 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 donât want to miss.đ Read Sy Aliâs memoir Out of the Stormđ Learn more about his youth work at Alivio Learningđ˘ Donât forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more unfiltered stories of human willpower.đ Book a 1:1 Sober Mentoring Session TodayâLINK BELOWhttps://calendly.com/thewillpowerpodcast/30minđ If this episode hits home, drop a comment and let us know. And PLEASEâsmash that subscribe button so we can keep these powerful convos coming.đ§Ľ RCVR Apparel: Rock recovery-inspired gear with pride.Save 10% with code thewillpowerpodcast at rcvrbrand.com/thewillpowerpodcastđ Liver Medic Supplements: Feel your best with natural liver support.Use code THEWILLPOWERPODCAST10off for 10% off at livermedic.com/discount/THEWILLPOWERPODCAST10offđ¤ 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
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 â 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 â and regaining self-worth- The daily habits that keep him sharp and soberThis isnât just another sobriety story â itâs a transformation masterclass. If youâre struggling with addiction, self-sabotage, or wondering if itâs too late to turn it all around⌠this is for you.đ Book a 1:1 Sober Mentoring Session TodayâLINK BELOWhttps://calendly.com/thewillpowerpodcast/30minđ If this episode hits home, drop a comment and let us know. And PLEASEâsmash that subscribe button so we can keep these powerful convos coming.đ§Ľ RCVR Apparel: Rock recovery-inspired gear with pride.Save 10% with code thewillpowerpodcast at rcvrbrand.com/thewillpowerpodcastđ Liver Medic Supplements: Feel your best with natural liver support.Use code THEWILLPOWERPODCAST10off for 10% off at livermedic.com/discount/THEWILLPOWERPODCAST10offđ¤ 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
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 freedomânot just his healthâwas 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.đŹ Comment below with your thoughts, questions, or just to say youâre on the journey too.đ If this episode hits home, drop a comment and let us know. And PLEASEâsmash that subscribe button so we can keep these powerful convos coming.đ 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. â [https://buymeacoffee.com/thewillpowerpodcast]đ§Ľ RCVR Apparel: Rock recovery-inspired gear with pride.Save 10% with code thewillpowerpodcast at rcvrbrand.com/thewillpowerpodcastđ Liver Medic Supplements: Feel your best with natural liver support.Use code THEWILLPOWERPODCAST10off for 10% off at livermedic.com/discount/THEWILLPOWERPODCAST10offđ¤ 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
Friday Oct 24, 2025
What happens when the party endsâand 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 backânearly 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, âIâm never drinking again.âThis is more than just a tale of addiction. Itâs about rebuilding, reclaiming identity, and redefining what healing really looks like. If you're searching for hope, clarity, or real talk about sobrietyâthis episode is for you.đ§ Topics covered:- Her first drink at age 11- Navigating a toxic family environment- The moment she knew alcohol had to goâfor good- How her business masked the relapse- Building Sober Reset to help othersđ This episode is a must-watch for anyone navigating sobriety, mental health, or the path back to self-love.đ If this episode hits home, drop a comment and let us know. And PLEASEâsmash that subscribe button so we can keep these powerful convos coming.đ 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. â [https://buymeacoffee.com/thewillpowerpodcast]đ§Ľ RCVR Apparel: Rock recovery-inspired gear with pride.Save 10% with code thewillpowerpodcast at rcvrbrand.com/thewillpowerpodcastđ Liver Medic Supplements: Feel your best with natural liver support.Use code THEWILLPOWERPODCAST10off for 10% off at livermedic.com/discount/THEWILLPOWERPODCAST10offđ¤ 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
Friday Oct 17, 2025
In this deeply raw episode of The Willpower Podcast, host Will Gordon sits down with Jimmy Thistle â a recovery advocate, ex-alcoholic, and peer mentor â 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, Jimmyâs honest story will resonate with anyone navigating the complex path of recovery.đ Subscribe for more inspiring recovery stories, mindset tips, and sober mentoring advice.đ Key Topics:đBinge drinking culture in the UKđSigns of addiction & self-denialđThe emotional toll of alcohol abuseđRehab experience during COVID-19đSober mentoring, peer support, & building a new lifeđ§ Follow Jimmy:IG: @recovery_jimmyPodcast: After Hours with Jimmy Thistleđ If this episode hits home, drop a comment and let us know. And PLEASEâsmash that subscribe button so we can keep these powerful convos coming.đ 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. â [https://buymeacoffee.com/thewillpowerpodcast]đ§Ľ RCVR Apparel: Rock recovery-inspired gear with pride.Save 10% with code thewillpowerpodcast at rcvrbrand.com/thewillpowerpodcastđ Liver Medic Supplements: Feel your best with natural liver support.Use code THEWILLPOWERPODCAST10off for 10% off at livermedic.com/discount/THEWILLPOWERPODCAST10offđ¤ 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
Friday Oct 10, 2025
Welcome back to another powerful episode of the Willpower Podcast. This one right here? Itâs personal, itâs raw, and it might just change the way you think about alcohol.I sat down with Mel Burbank â sheâs 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:đ Growing up in New Orleans, where partying is practically a religionđ Living a double life â health coach by day, binge drinker by nightđ The one night that made her never touch alcohol againđ Why sobriety isn't punishment â it's actually a superpowerđ How she helps high-achieving women break the wine culture trapđ The whole truth about what alcohol does to your identity, body, and lifeThis isnât your average âquit drinkingâ story. This is a full-on identity shift. If youâve ever felt like somethingâs holding you back â this episode is for you.đ§ Plug in. Let this one sit with you.đĽ And if youâre ready to see what life could look like without the booze⌠hit play.đ Follow Mel on IG: @alcoholfreefemalesđĽ Sheâs doing weekly masterclasses to help women change their livesđ If this episode hits home, drop a comment and let us know. And PLEASEâsmash that subscribe button so we can keep these powerful convos coming.đ 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. â [https://buymeacoffee.com/thewillpowerpodcast]đ§Ľ RCVR Apparel: Rock recovery-inspired gear with pride.Save 10% with code thewillpowerpodcast at rcvrbrand.com/thewillpowerpodcastđ Liver Medic Supplements: Feel your best with natural liver support.Use code THEWILLPOWERPODCAST10off for 10% off at livermedic.com/discount/THEWILLPOWERPODCAST10offđ¤ 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
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.đ Donât forget to subscribe for more powerful sobriety stories, recovery journeys, and honest conversations about addiction and healing.đ˛ Follow Kevin on Instagram: @thedecapitronđ 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. â [https://buymeacoffee.com/thewillpowerpodcast]đ§Ľ RCVR Apparel: Rock recovery-inspired gear with pride.Save 10% with code thewillpowerpodcast at rcvrbrand.com/thewillpowerpodcastđ Liver Medic Supplements: Feel your best with natural liver support.Use code THEWILLPOWERPODCAST10off for 10% off at livermedic.com/discount/THEWILLPOWERPODCAST10offđ¤ 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
Friday Sep 26, 2025
Nisha Patel got sober at 24. Today, with 17 years of sobriety, sheâs 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 âwhyâ â and why itâs often really a âwhy notâ⢠Why we relapse, and how to break free from cycles of self-destruction⢠How to live in alignment with your valuesđ If youâre struggling with alcohol addiction or want to strengthen your sobriety, this conversation will give you tools, hope, and inspiration.đ Subscribe for more sober stories & recovery tools: Willpower Podcast on YouTube, Spotify & Apple Podcasts.đ˛ Follow Danielle on Instagram: @nishapatelcoachingđ 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. â [https://buymeacoffee.com/thewillpowerpodcast]đ§Ľ RCVR Apparel: Rock recovery-inspired gear with pride.Save 10% with code thewillpowerpodcast at rcvrbrand.com/thewillpowerpodcastđ Liver Medic Supplements: Feel your best with natural liver support.Use code THEWILLPOWERPODCAST10off for 10% off at livermedic.com/discount/THEWILLPOWERPODCAST10offđ¤ 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
Friday Sep 19, 2025
Joelâs 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 itâs 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 chanceđ If youâve ever questioned your relationship with alcohol or worry about liver health, this conversation could change everything.đĄ Remember: Cirrhosis is called the silent killer for a reason. Donât wait until itâs too lateâget your liver panel checked and take action.Subscribe for more inspiring recovery stories and real conversations about sobriety, liver disease, and mental health.đ Safety note: Weâre sharing personal experiences, not medical advice. If youâre trying to quit, seek medical careâalcohol withdrawal can be dangerous.đ§Ľ RCVR Apparel: Rock recovery-inspired gear with pride.Save 10% with code thewillpowerpodcast at rcvrbrand.com/thewillpowerpodcastđ Liver Medic Supplements: Feel your best with natural liver support.Use code THEWILLPOWERPODCAST10off for 10% off at livermedic.com/discount/THEWILLPOWERPODCAST10offđ¤ 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
Saturday Sep 13, 2025
Olympic bobsledding looks thrilling from the outside â 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 âsled head,â 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 â and why heâs fighting to build a nonprofit recovery center for athletes and veterans with brain injuries.This conversation is about more than bobsledding. Itâs about CTE, athlete health, and why awareness and treatment access matter.đ˘ Subscribe for more real recovery stories & tools: The Willpower Podcast with Will Gordon.đ§ Full audio on Spotify & Apple Podcasts.đ Safety note: Weâre sharing personal experiences, not medical advice. If youâre trying to quit, seek medical careâalcohol withdrawal can be dangerous.đ§Ľ RCVR Apparel: Rock recovery-inspired gear with pride.Save 10% with code thewillpowerpodcast at rcvrbrand.com/thewillpowerpodcastđ Liver Medic Supplements: Feel your best with natural liver support.Use code THEWILLPOWERPODCAST10off for 10% off at livermedic.com/discount/THEWILLPOWERPODCAST10offđ¤ AMPLIFY Sober Voices (Jan 15, 2026): Join sober creators at Podfest 2026.Get $20 off with code WILL at amplify.soberliferocks.com









