In this deeply personal solo episode, Ivory Fennell returns to the mic after a brief hiatus to reflect on what has already been a transformative start to 2026. From celebrating his golden birthday to traveling across the world, this episode captures what it really looks like to grow through discomfort, sit with your emotions, and finally start choosing yourself.

Ivory opens up about turning 29 and the complicated relationship he’s had with birthdays over the years. What should feel like celebration has often been tied to anxiety, pressure, and self-sabotage. Instead of forcing a perfect moment, he shares what it looked like to sit in those feelings, and how the love of close friends helped him shift his perspective and embrace the idea that getting older can actually be something to appreciate.

The conversation then moves into one of the biggest highlights of his year so far: a life-changing trip to the Philippines. From the chaos and culture of Manila to the beauty and joy of Boracay, Ivory reflects on what it means to be fully present in new environments. More than just a vacation, the experience became a reminder of how much life exists outside of routine, and how important it is to allow yourself to feel joy without overthinking it.

But at the core of this episode is something much deeper. With the help of his producer, Ivory opens up about reaching one full year of sobriety. He speaks honestly about his past relationship with alcohol, the ways he used it to avoid confronting his emotions, and what it took to finally sit with himself in silence. The journey wasn’t easy, and he doesn’t pretend that it was. Instead, he shares the small milestones, the internal battles, and the surprising clarity that came with choosing a different path.

This episode is about more than milestones. It’s about identity, accountability, and growth. It’s about realizing that healing isn’t a straight line, and that sometimes the biggest breakthroughs come from the moments you’d rather avoid. Ivory also touches on what it felt like to revisit alcohol after a year away, offering a grounded and honest perspective on what “balance” looks like for him now.

Throughout the episode, listeners will find themselves reflecting on their own journeys, especially when it comes to self-worth, habits, and emotional honesty. Ivory’s storytelling remains raw, unfiltered, and relatable, reminding you that you’re not alone in the process of figuring life out.

In this episode, we talk about:

Turning 29 and navigating the emotions behind a golden birthday
Traveling to the Philippines and embracing new experiences
The reality of hitting one year sober and what changed mentally and emotionally
Confronting self-sabotage, anxiety, and avoidance patterns
Redefining what joy, balance, and healing actually look like

As always, Getting Older Podcast is a space for real conversations about the highs and lows of growing up. If this episode resonated with you, make sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who might need to hear it. You can stay connected with Ivory Fennell and keep up with new episodes by following the podcast on all major streaming platforms and social channels. Your support helps continue these honest conversations and reminds others that they’re not alone in their journey.

Turning 29, One Year Sober, and Finally Facing Myself After Years of Avoiding It