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Ep 35 Getting Sober and Thriving: How David Hanley Wrote His Way Through Recovery

Getting Sober and Thriving: How David Hanley Wrote His Way Through Recovery

What did it take for David Hanley to finally stop drinking? The answer includes years of alcohol dependency, pacing outside a liquor store at 6:45 in the morning, multiple ICU visits, a wheelchair on a runway, and a rehabilitation center he'd never heard of in a town he'd never been to. But what happened next is what makes David's story unlike anything you've heard before — six weeks sober, raw and uncertain, he picked up a pen and started writing.

In this episode David shares the journey that led to his memoir The Streetlight Chronicles — written in real time during his own recovery in a raw, unfiltered style called Gonzo journalism, think Anthony Bourdain telling the truth about addiction with zero fluff and zero filter. You'll hear how David translated the 12 steps into street-level language that finally made sense to him, guided by a character he created called the Barstool Prophet. Host Stuart Cline reads powerful passages from the book aloud, and together they explore one of the most compelling concepts in the book — the idea that you don't need a yes and you don't need a no to start your recovery. You just need a maybe.

Whether you're newly sober or years into your journey, this conversation will remind you of something worth holding onto — how far you've already come, and how much is still possible.

In this episode you'll hear:

How COVID on the island of Maui took David's drinking from social to life threatening
What finally made recovery click after multiple attempts
The story behind the Barstool Prophet and what he represents
How writing in the moment of vulnerability changed everything
The power of approaching recovery with maybe instead of certainty

Resources mentioned:

The Streetlight Chronicles by David Hanley — available on Amazon
Amazon- Streetlight Chronicles
www.streettalk.live

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HI! If you are looking for me - Stuart Cline. You can find me below. I would like to hear from you.

🌐 Website: www.SobrietyNowWhat.com

🎓 Courses & Programs: https://stuartcline.podia.com

🌱 Evolving Fully Institute: www.evolvingfully.com

🧠 Counseling Services: www.nmcounseling.com

📧 Email: SobrietyNowWhat111@gmail.com

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Disclaimer
This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical or mental health care. Listening to this podcast does not establish a therapeutic relationship. If you are in need of support, please reach out to a qualified healthcare provider.

Ep 35: Getting Sober and Thriving: How David Hanley Wrote His Way Through Recovery