Going Big! with Kevin Gentry: Episode Summary

Episode: Going Big with The Phoenix: How Scott Strode Turned Struggle into a National Movement
Release Date: April 21, 2025
Host: Kevin Gentry
Guest: Scott Strode, Founder and Executive Director of The Phoenix

1. Introduction to Scott Strode and The Phoenix

Kevin Gentry welcomes Scott Strode to the Going Big! podcast, highlighting Scott's remarkable journey from personal struggle with addiction to founding The Phoenix—a transformative community addressing substance abuse and mental health issues. The Phoenix, established in 2006, has impacted over half a million people with a vision to reach 10 million by 2030. Scott is also the author of Rise, Recover, Thrive: How I Got Stronger, Got Sober and Built a Movement of Hope.

Notable Quote:

“The only cost of admission is 48 hours of sobriety and adherence to our ethos, which is really, we're here to lift each other up, not pull each other down.”
— Scott Strode (04:07)

2. Scott’s Personal Journey with Addiction

Scott delves into his early encounters with addiction, rooted in a tumultuous childhood marked by a father with untreated mental illness and a stepfather battling alcoholism. These experiences eroded his self-esteem, leading him to substance abuse at a young age—starting with alcohol at 11, experimenting with drugs by 13, and cocaine by 15.

Notable Quote:

“I woke up the next day and I just made a decision to change my life. And that was over 28 years ago.”
— Scott Strode (10:53)

3. Formation of The Phoenix

The Phoenix emerged from Scott's realization that his personal recovery could be a catalyst for community healing. Inspired by his involvement in boxing and climbing—both physical activities that bolstered his recovery—Scott sought to create a space where individuals could build self-esteem and support each other through shared meaningful activities.

Notable Quote:

“For every person I pulled out, that became one more person who could help me reach back in and pull others out. And that's how it's compounded and grown the way it has.”
— Scott Strode (04:07)

4. The Philosophy and Approach of The Phoenix

The Phoenix operates on a strength-based model, emphasizing dignity, belief in individuals, and community support. Activities range from athletic pursuits like cycling and climbing to music, art, and social events—all designed to foster a supportive environment where participants can rediscover their self-worth and build resilience.

Notable Quote:

“We see the potential in all people that walk through the door and the strength in all people that walk through the door.”
— Scott Strode (22:35)

5. Scaling The Phoenix: Strategies and Challenges

Scott discusses the innovative strategies that enabled The Phoenix to scale beyond traditional nonprofit models. Instead of adopting a federated structure with significant fundraising needs, The Phoenix leveraged a volunteer-driven approach inspired by advice from Don Fertman, a board member with experience scaling Subway from 140 to over 40,000 locations. This grassroots method allowed rapid expansion, attracting over 700 communities interested in starting their own Phoenix chapters, with 30 successfully initiated as a test.

Notable Quote:

“If you could just find somebody else with lived experience in another community that wanted to share that strength with others, that Phoenix could be sort of infinitely scalable.”
— Scott Strode (26:38)

6. The Role of Community in Recovery

Central to The Phoenix's mission is the creation of genuine community. Scott emphasizes that recovery is bolstered not just by individual effort but by the collective support of a community that believes in each member's potential. This mutual support system creates a safety net, enabling individuals to face life's challenges without reverting to substance use.

Notable Quote:

“When you're met with that kind of love and energy, you start to see it in yourself, and then you start to share it with others.”
— Scott Strode (22:35)

7. Innovations and Future Plans: NuForm and Beyond

Looking ahead, Scott introduces NuForm, a rebranded mobile app initially developed for The Phoenix. NuForm now serves as a digital marketplace of healing, aggregating resources from over 60 nonprofits to provide comprehensive support for individuals seeking recovery and mental health assistance. Additionally, The Phoenix is venturing into the music industry to create sober, supportive spaces for artists and fans, aiming to impact another million individuals through cultural influence.

Notable Quote:

“We're really building this marketplace of organizations to help people rise.”
— Scott Strode (37:45)

8. Insights and Advice on "Going Big"

Scott shares invaluable insights on thinking big while starting small. He underscores the importance of maintaining a clear vision, surrounding oneself with like-minded individuals, and embracing incremental progress. Scott encourages listeners to dream beyond current limitations and to uphold principles of integrity and belief in others, whether in personal endeavors or organizational leadership.

Notable Quote:

“Do it one step at a time, but never losing sight of the vision of what you think is possible and the people you surround yourself with.”
— Scott Strode (43:08)

9. Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Kevin Gentry commends Scott for his inspiring work and emphasizes the impact of The Phoenix's approach to community and recovery. He encourages listeners to engage with The Phoenix through events, the NuForm app, or by starting their own chapters. The episode concludes with a powerful reminder that overcoming challenges and going big starts with small, courageous steps and a supportive community.

Notable Quote:

“It takes some drastic action, but it's one small step and that's that first step to going in a much bigger direction.”
— Scott Strode (43:08)

Key Takeaways:

• Community-Centric Recovery: The Phoenix emphasizes the power of community support in overcoming addiction, moving beyond traditional treatment models.
• Scalable, Volunteer-Driven Model: Leveraging grassroots strategies allows The Phoenix to expand rapidly without the constraints of conventional nonprofit structures.
• Innovative Solutions: Initiatives like NuForm and engagements in the music industry showcase The Phoenix's commitment to creative approaches in addressing substance abuse and mental health.
• Personal Empowerment: Scott's story underscores the importance of self-esteem, resilience, and incremental progress in the journey to recovery.
• Visionary Leadership: Belief in the potential of individuals and fostering a culture of mutual support are central to sustaining and growing impactful movements like The Phoenix.

For more information or to get involved, visit The Phoenix's website or download the NuForm app to connect with supportive communities near you.