Podcast
Successful Life Podcast
Hosted by Corey Berrier · EN
Successful Life Podcast | Recovery, Second Chances & Employment
What does it really take to rebuild your life… and actually get back to work?
Hosted by Corey Berrier, the Successful Life Podcast is where recovery meets real-world results. This show is built for people who are ready to move forward—whether you’re overcoming addiction, navigating life after a criminal record, or trying to find a path back into the workforce.
Each episode delivers real conversations, practical strategies, and powerful stories from people who have gone from rock bottom to meaningful employment.
You’ll learn:
- How to get hired after addiction or incarceration
- What to say (and not say) in interviews
- How employers really think when hiring someone with a past
- How to rebuild confidence, structure, and income
- Real second chance hiring strategies that actually work
This podcast is also for employers and leaders who want to build stronger teams by hiring people in recovery and giving others a true second chance.
If you’re ready to stop spinning your wheels and start building a life with purpose, income, and direction—you’re in the right place.
👉 New Path Employment connects people in recovery with employers who are ready to hire.
26episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Recovery Can’t Wait with Chris Budnick
4w ago00:46:00Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailIn this episode of The Successful Life Podcast, Corey Berrier sits down with Chris Budnick, Executive Director of Healing Transitions, to discuss addiction recovery, homelessness, detox services, peer-led recovery, and rebuilding lives through community support.Chris shares the story behind Healing Transitions, formerly The Healing Place of Wake County, and explains how the organization helps people struggling with substance abuse, homelessness, and mental health challenges through low-barrier detox, emergency shelter, recovery housing, peer mentorship, and long-term support.Chris also opens up about his own recovery journey, getting sober at 19 years old, and how mentors, recovery meetings, and service work changed the direction of his life. The conversation covers second chances, employment in recovery, women’s recovery programs, family reunification, and the ripple effect recovery has on families and communities.This episode is packed with insight for anyone impacted by addiction, recovery, homelessness, or the challenge of rebuilding life after substance abuse.https:newpathemployment.com https://www.audible.com/pd/9-Simple-Steps-to-Sell-More-ht-Audiobook/B0D4SJYD4Q?source_code=ASSORAP0511160006&share_location=library_overflowhttps://www.amazon.com/Simple-Steps-Sell-More-Stereotypes-ebook/dp/B0BRNSFYG6/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1OSB7HX6FQMHS&keywords=corey+berrier&qid=1674232549&sprefix=%2Caps%2C93&sr=8-1 https://www.linkedin.com/in/coreysalescoach/
Transcribe →From Prison to Purpose with Nick Jones
Apr 2801:21:58Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailIn this episode of The Successful Life Podcast, Corey Berrier sits down with longtime friend and entrepreneur Nick Jones for a direct conversation about addiction recovery, entrepreneurship, personal responsibility, faith, leadership, and building a life after prison.Nick shares his journey from addiction, drug dealing, and multiple prison sentences to long-term sobriety, business ownership, and service-based leadership. He discusses the role of the 12 steps, the Big Book, spiritual principles, mentorship, and helping others as core parts of lasting recovery.The conversation also covers Nick’s entrepreneurial path through wireless sales, Sandler Sales training, financial education, med spas, hormone replacement therapy, peptide importation, nutraceutical manufacturing, and building Cell Tech MD in Atlanta. Corey and Nick also talk about second chances, hiring people in recovery, workforce challenges, and why personal accountability matters in both business and life.Listeners will hear practical lessons on recovery, leadership, sales, business failure, rebuilding after setbacks, faith-based decision making, and creating opportunities for people who are serious about changing their lives.Key Topics CoveredAddiction recovery, alcoholism, cocaine addiction, 12-step recovery, AA Big Book, spiritual awakening, prison reform, entrepreneurship after prison, personal responsibility, sober living, faith and recovery, sales leadership, Sandler Sales, business ownership, med spa business, hormone replacement therapy, peptide therapy, Cell Tech MD, hiring people in recovery, second chances, mentorship, service work, overcoming adversity, Atlanta entrepreneur, Corey Berrier, Nick Jones.Subscribe to The Successful Life Podcast for more conversations on recovery, business, leadership, and personal growth. Leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify to help more listeners find the show.https:newpathemployment.com https://www.audible.com/pd/9-Simple-Steps-to-Sell-More-ht-Audiobook/B0D4SJYD4Q?source_code=ASSORAP0511160006&share_location=library_overflowhttps://www.amazon.com/Simple-Steps-Sell-More-Stereotypes-ebook/dp/B0BRNSFYG6/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1OSB7HX6FQMHS&keywords=corey+berrier&qid=1674232549&sprefix=%2Caps%2C93&sr=8-1 https://www.linkedin.com/in/coreysalescoach/
Transcribe →From Addiction to Ownership: How Chef Scott Crawford Rebuilt His Life
Apr 2100:58:34Tap to summarizeSend us Fan Mail In this episode of The Successful Life Podcast, Corey Berrier sits down with chef and restaurateur Scott Crawford for a direct conversation about recovery, leadership, and building a business with real standards. Scott shares how addiction nearly cost him his life, what finally pushed him to get sober, and how that decision changed everything from his creativity to his career trajectory.They talk about Scott’s journey from humble beginnings in the restaurant industry to owning multiple restaurants in Raleigh, North Carolina, including Crawford and Son, Jolie, Brodeto, Sous Terre, Crawford Brothers Steakhouse, and Crawford’s Genuine at RDU Airport. Scott also explains how he built a workplace culture centered on professionalism, safety, accountability, and team buy-in in an industry often known for chaos and substance abuse.This conversation also highlights the importance of support systems, mentorship, and giving back. Scott discusses Ben’s Friends, a support network for people in the hospitality industry, along with Healing Transitions and the work being done to help people find recovery and long-term support. This episode is a strong listen for anyone interested in sobriety, entrepreneurship, leadership, hospitality, and personal transformation.Leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify to help more people discover the show.Learn more or support Ben’s Friends: https://www.bensfriendshope.comKey topics covered: recovery, addiction, sobriety, restaurant leadership, chef life, hospitality industry, workplace culture, entrepreneurship, Raleigh restaurants, Ben’s Friends, Healing Transitions, personal growth, team building, accountability, overcoming adversityhttps:newpathemployment.com https://www.audible.com/pd/9-Simple-Steps-to-Sell-More-ht-Audiobook/B0D4SJYD4Q?source_code=ASSORAP0511160006&share_location=library_overflowhttps://www.amazon.com/Simple-Steps-Sell-More-Stereotypes-ebook/dp/B0BRNSFYG6/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1OSB7HX6FQMHS&keywords=corey+berrier&qid=1674232549&sprefix=%2Caps%2C93&sr=8-1 https://www.linkedin.com/in/coreysalescoach/
Transcribe →From Addiction to Elite Sales Communicator | Brian Burton on Mastering Communication & Personal Transformation
Apr 1400:47:59Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailIn this episode of the Successful Life Podcast, host Corey Berrier sits down with Brian Burton—general manager at Benjamin Franklin Plumbing, founder of Blue Collar Closer, and host of the Waste No Day Podcast.Brian shares his journey from a struggling technician to becoming a high-level communicator and sales leader in the home services industry. This conversation dives deep into sales psychology, communication mastery, and the mindset required to increase closing rates without manipulation.The episode also explores Brian’s powerful story of overcoming opioid addiction and alcohol dependency, offering insight into discipline, recovery, and personal accountability. Learn how communication, consistency, and self-awareness can transform both your career and your life.Whether you’re in sales, home services, or personal development, this episode delivers practical strategies to improve your communication skills, build trust with clients, and elevate your performance.Blue Collar Closer https://bluecollarcloser.comWaste No Day Podcast https://wastenoday.comhttps:newpathemployment.com https://www.audible.com/pd/9-Simple-Steps-to-Sell-More-ht-Audiobook/B0D4SJYD4Q?source_code=ASSORAP0511160006&share_location=library_overflowhttps://www.amazon.com/Simple-Steps-Sell-More-Stereotypes-ebook/dp/B0BRNSFYG6/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1OSB7HX6FQMHS&keywords=corey+berrier&qid=1674232549&sprefix=%2Caps%2C93&sr=8-1 https://www.linkedin.com/in/coreysalescoach/
Transcribe →Recovery, Purpose, and the Missing Piece: B Reeves on New Waters, 12-Step Discipline, and Transcendental Meditation
Apr 701:05:37Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailAfter a five-month break, Corey is back with B Reeves from New Waters Recovery for a conversation on sobriety, mental health, treatment, meditation, and purpose-driven work. B shares what New Waters Recovery actually does, from detox and residential treatment to psychological assessments, and explains why separating your job from your personal recovery is critical for long-term sobriety.Corey and B also get into the reality of working in the recovery field, the discipline required to maintain a program, and why willingness matters more than motivation. They talk in depth about transcendental meditation, how it supports peace, clarity, and conscious contact, and why both of them see it as a major part of spiritual growth. The conversation also explores second chances, employment for people in recovery, the challenges of early sobriety, and how meaningful work can help rebuild confidence and direction.This episode is a practical conversation about recovery that goes beyond quitting substances. It is about doing the work, building structure, finding purpose, and creating a life worth protecting.In this episode, Corey and B discuss:What New Waters Recovery offers beyond detox, including mental health assessments and residential treatment, why treatment and recovery are often misunderstood, how B approaches outreach, conferences, and building trusted referral relationships, the importance of not letting your job become your recovery, the concept of being a “two hatter” in recovery and treatment work, how transcendental meditation has helped both Corey and B find more peace and clarity, why meditation can be the missing piece in recovery, the difference between stopping drinking and actually learning how to live, sober curiosity, spiritual growth, and conscious contact, ibogaine, ayahuasca, and the question of shortcuts in recovery, Corey’s new mission to connect people in recovery with second-chance employers, why people in recovery often become exceptional employees, the value of structure, accountability, and willingness in long-term sobriety.https://newwatersrecovery.comhttps://newpathemployment.comhttps:newpathemployment.com https://www.audible.com/pd/9-Simple-Steps-to-Sell-More-ht-Audiobook/B0D4SJYD4Q?source_code=ASSORAP0511160006&share_location=library_overflowhttps://www.amazon.com/Simple-Steps-Sell-More-Stereotypes-ebook/dp/B0BRNSFYG6/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1OSB7HX6FQMHS&keywords=corey+berrier&qid=1674232549&sprefix=%2Caps%2C93&sr=8-1 https://www.linkedin.com/in/coreysalescoach/
Transcribe →Authenticity Beats Outcomes Every Time
Dec 500:24:19Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailEver notice how hard you grip outcomes when you’re nervous—then watch everything slip anyway? We dig into a counterintuitive truth that changed our lives: releasing control doesn’t make you careless, it makes you effective. From sobriety to sales calls, first dates to job interviews, we connect the dots between patience, presence, and authenticity—and why expectations so often become premeditated resentments.We unpack the early myth of instant transformation in recovery and replace it with practical tools: sit with discomfort, practice consistently, and let time compound. Then we map those lessons to high-pressure moments at work. After a tough call, we walk through a fast reset: debrief the objections, reframe the story, ask for help if you need it, and step into the next conversation clean. You’ll hear how a simple shift from outcome-chasing to service-first—What does this person need right now?—boosts trust, surfaces real blockers, and prevents you from carrying one loss into your next opportunity.Honesty sits at the center of all of it. We talk about shedding masks, staying the same person on and off the mic, and why misalignment breeds anxiety and churn in business and relationships. Not every prospect is your customer, not every match is your partner, and that’s okay. When you respect fit, follow a sound process, and stay present, decisions come easier—and results often improve without the pressure. We close with gratitude for this community and a reminder that asking for help is not a failure of willpower but a pathway to connection and growth.If this resonated, follow the show, share it with a friend who needs a reset, and leave a quick review—what outcome are you letting go of this week?https:newpathemployment.com https://www.audible.com/pd/9-Simple-Steps-to-Sell-More-ht-Audiobook/B0D4SJYD4Q?source_code=ASSORAP0511160006&share_location=library_overflowhttps://www.amazon.com/Simple-Steps-Sell-More-Stereotypes-ebook/dp/B0BRNSFYG6/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1OSB7HX6FQMHS&keywords=corey+berrier&qid=1674232549&sprefix=%2Caps%2C93&sr=8-1 https://www.linkedin.com/in/coreysalescoach/
Transcribe →Developing a Leadership Mindset: Gratitude, Empathy, and Human Connection
Nov 2800:32:12Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailIn this episode of the Successful Life Podcast, host Corey Berrier dives into the importance of gratitude, empathy, and human connection. Reflecting on the busiest plumbing day of the year, he shares personal anecdotes about reconnecting with old friends and the transformative power of gratitude. Corey explains how daily gratitude lists have shaped his positive outlook and enhanced his relationships. He discusses the significance of empathetic listening in both personal and professional settings, emphasizing how understanding others’ perspectives can improve sales and client interactions. Corey also touches on the importance of following your gut instincts and setting personal boundaries. The episode concludes with a poignant story about the fragility of life, reinforcing the need to live each day with purpose and appreciation.00:00 Introduction and Thanksgiving Reflections01:29 The Power of Gratitude04:26 Empathy in Sales and Life07:27 Understanding Human Behavior24:33 The Importance of Boundaries25:51 Living in the Present30:10 Conclusion and Gratitudehttps:newpathemployment.com https://www.audible.com/pd/9-Simple-Steps-to-Sell-More-ht-Audiobook/B0D4SJYD4Q?source_code=ASSORAP0511160006&share_location=library_overflowhttps://www.amazon.com/Simple-Steps-Sell-More-Stereotypes-ebook/dp/B0BRNSFYG6/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1OSB7HX6FQMHS&keywords=corey+berrier&qid=1674232549&sprefix=%2Caps%2C93&sr=8-1 https://www.linkedin.com/in/coreysalescoach/
Transcribe →Overcoming The Fear of Rejection
Nov 2100:30:37Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailFear of rejection can run your day without saying a word. I’ve felt it in rehab bunkhouses, in church pews that taught guilt over growth, and across kitchen tables where a homeowner just wanted their AC to work and their evening back. That same fear fuels the masks we wear, the discounts we offer too soon, and the way we beat ourselves up on the drive home. So I pulled the thread from the beginning: where does imposter syndrome start, how does it hijack sales, and what daily choices make that voice lose its power?We start with the messy parts: performing to be safe, confusing approval with belonging, and how organized religion shaped and then shattered some of my early beliefs. From there, the focus turns practical. I walk through how to read body language, ask sharper questions, and slow down enough to uncover the real blocker behind a hesitant buyer. We get honest about tonality and ego—why being the expert doesn’t give you license to steamroll, and how letting someone finish can save a deal. You’ll hear why “I don’t know; I’ll get back to you” is a trust builder, not a weakness, especially when talking with engineers or highly technical clients.Then we tackle value, pricing, and boundaries. Not everyone is your customer, and chasing chronic discounters will hollow out your calendar and your confidence. I unpack the true cost of a “free” van roll, how to teach value without apology, and why clean presentation—uniform, breath, clarity—sells before words do. Finally, we zoom in on the inner work: cutting self‑talk that spirals, making quick amends, and stacking esteemable actions that make you the same person when eyes are on you and when they’re not. Simple routines like breathing, prayer or meditation, the gym, and a few intentional calls become the spine that steadies your day.If this hits home, press play, take what serves you, and try one habit for a week. Subscribe for new drops every Friday at 4 a.m., share this with a teammate who needs it, and leave a review to help more people find the show. What’s the one mask you’re ready to set down today?https:newpathemployment.com https://www.audible.com/pd/9-Simple-Steps-to-Sell-More-ht-Audiobook/B0D4SJYD4Q?source_code=ASSORAP0511160006&share_location=library_overflowhttps://www.amazon.com/Simple-Steps-Sell-More-Stereotypes-ebook/dp/B0BRNSFYG6/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1OSB7HX6FQMHS&keywords=corey+berrier&qid=1674232549&sprefix=%2Caps%2C93&sr=8-1 https://www.linkedin.com/in/coreysalescoach/
Transcribe →I Wasn’t A Fraud, I Was Just Drunk And Terrified
Nov 1400:28:03Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailWhat if the confidence you’ve been chasing is really a mask that’s wearing you down? I open up about imposter syndrome, fear of rejection, and the years I used alcohol and drugs to feel like I belonged. The stories aren’t pretty—Vegas couches, dangerous company, and the slow erosion of self-worth—but they’re true, and they explain why shortcuts to confidence always collapse.Sobriety didn’t magically erase my doubts; it gave me clear ground to do the work. I talk through the humbling season of losing jobs, driving Uber to keep moving, and learning to accept where I am instead of clinging to a fantasy of where I should be. We get into practical tools: using transcendental meditation to sit still and face hard truths, putting action behind prayer, and choosing surrender over force so progress doesn’t rely on white-knuckling everything alone. I share how making amends—especially around a stalled AI venture—helped loosen the grip of imposter thoughts and made selling from service feel possible again.You’ll also hear why real community matters. Recovery gave me people who show up, no questions asked, and that kind of support flips the script on isolation. Along the way, a carful of executives reminded me that even polished professionals wrestle with the same fears. If you’re leaning on alcohol or weed to outrun rejection, consider this a clear warning: the bill comes due, and it’s brutal. There’s a better path built on honesty, small daily actions, and faith that meets you halfway.If this resonates, follow the show, share it with someone who needs it, and leave a quick review. Your words help more people find a real way forward. New episodes drop every Friday at 4 a.m.https:newpathemployment.com https://www.audible.com/pd/9-Simple-Steps-to-Sell-More-ht-Audiobook/B0D4SJYD4Q?source_code=ASSORAP0511160006&share_location=library_overflowhttps://www.amazon.com/Simple-Steps-Sell-More-Stereotypes-ebook/dp/B0BRNSFYG6/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1OSB7HX6FQMHS&keywords=corey+berrier&qid=1674232549&sprefix=%2Caps%2C93&sr=8-1 https://www.linkedin.com/in/coreysalescoach/
Transcribe →Overcoming Relapse and Addiction
Nov 700:36:00Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailIn this episode of the Successful Life Podcast, host Corey Berrier takes a deep dive into the challenging topic of relapse and addiction, sharing his personal journey and insights. Corey discusses the struggles of maintaining sobriety, the pitfalls of relapse, and the exhausting cycle of addiction. He highlights the illusion of alcohol as a friend, the consequences of addiction on personal and professional life, and the often-overlooked aspect of rebuilding trust in oneself. Corey also talks about the importance of community and support in recovery and how practices like transcendental meditation have played a crucial role in his journey. This episode is a heartfelt and honest reflection on the path to recovery and the ongoing efforts to maintain a leadership mindset in the face of life's challenges.00:00 Introduction to the Podcast01:04 Personal Relapse Story02:43 The Struggle with Alcoholism06:45 The Turning Point11:57 The Road to Recovery18:15 Maintaining Sobriety23:30 The Power of Meditation27:27 Final Thoughts and Encouragementhttps:newpathemployment.com https://www.audible.com/pd/9-Simple-Steps-to-Sell-More-ht-Audiobook/B0D4SJYD4Q?source_code=ASSORAP0511160006&share_location=library_overflowhttps://www.amazon.com/Simple-Steps-Sell-More-Stereotypes-ebook/dp/B0BRNSFYG6/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1OSB7HX6FQMHS&keywords=corey+berrier&qid=1674232549&sprefix=%2Caps%2C93&sr=8-1 https://www.linkedin.com/in/coreysalescoach/
Transcribe →