
Hosted by Corey Berrier · EN
Successful Life Podcast | Addiction Recovery, Sobriety & the 12 Steps
The Successful Life Podcast is a recovery podcast hosted by Corey Berrier, featuring honest conversations about addiction recovery, alcoholism, sobriety, the 12 Steps, emotional sobriety, and personal transformation.
Each episode explores practical recovery tools, spiritual principles, sponsorship, relationships, mental wellness, and what it really takes to build a meaningful life one day at a time. Corey shares personal experiences from long-term recovery, solo episodes on the challenges and victories of sober living, and interviews with people whose lives have been transformed through recovery.
Whether you’re newly sober, working the 12 Steps, supporting a loved one struggling with addiction, or simply looking for personal growth, you’ll find hope, practical guidance, and authentic conversations that remind you you’re not alone.
Topics include:
• Addiction recovery
• Alcohol recovery
• Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)
• The 12 Steps
• Sobriety
• Emotional sobriety
• Recovery stories
• Spiritual growth
• Mental health and resilience
• Personal development
• Sponsorship
• Relapse prevention
• Service work
• Living a purpose-driven life
New episodes every week featuring real conversations, practical experience, strength, and hope to help you build not just a sober life—but a truly successful life.

Send us Fan MailReady for a reality check that actually sticks? I walked into a firefighter tryout convinced I’d breeze through on grit and lifting strength—and nearly blacked out during the PACER test. That moment of shock became a catalyst: exposing my cardio blind spot, deflating my ego, and forcing a return to fundamentals that real performance demands.We unpack how a strict carnivore diet kept my weight steady while masking a glaring conditioning gap, and why “I hate cardio” isn’t a strategy. I share the simple, sustainable interval plan that rebuilt capacity: short sprints, measured rest, and hybrid sessions that weave lifting with conditioning for a practical HIIT-style rhythm. No heroics—just consistent wins that retrain pace, breathing, and recovery. Along the way, I dig into the mindset traps that derail progress, from the seductive “I’m the exception” story to the endless “I’ll start tomorrow” promise that never lands.There’s also a hard truth about control: you can’t change someone who isn’t ready. We talk about the emotional toll of watching a partner or friend self-sabotage, the resentment that creeps in, and how to pivot toward responsibility you actually own. When you drop the urge to manage other people, you gain energy to improve your habits, set better boundaries, and model the change that invites others without pushing them away.If you’re craving honest fitness talk, real-world habit change, and a mindset reset that respects biology, this one’s for you. Hit play, take what helps, and build a plan that works on your worst day. If this resonated, subscribe, share it with a friend who needs a nudge, and leave a quick review to help more people 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/

Send us Fan MailThe hardest truth we learned in recovery wasn’t about alcohol—it was about control. For years we tried to push, persuade, and rescue our way into peace, only to end up exhausted and resentful. Then two small words flipped everything: let them. Let them choose. Let them stay. Let them go. Let them misunderstand. And let us choose our peace, our boundaries, and our focus.We explore how the “Let Them” Theory reframes love, leadership, and sobriety without sliding into passivity. Control looks like care, but it’s fear wearing a friendly mask. We share real stories of trying to fix partners, employees, and friends, and how accepting people’s agency made room for real connection—and for those who are actually aligned to step in. You’ll hear why love without boundaries becomes chaos, how rescuing steals growth, and why allowing people to be wrong about you is a fast track to freedom. We also unpack the surprising link between addiction and control, and why quiet consistency becomes more influential than any speech.If you’ve ever felt responsible for everyone else’s choices—or felt triggered when they ignore your advice—take our practical tool with you: the Five Whys. Keep asking why until you move from blame to root-cause truth. Paired with surrender and spiritual trust, this shift calms your nervous system, clarifies what’s yours to carry, and helps you stop arguing with reality. Let them live their story while you live yours—with integrity, compassion, and clear boundaries.If this resonated, subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs lighter shoulders and clearer lines. What will you finally let go of 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/

Send us Fan MailWhat if the most radical form of freedom is simply waking up clear—and staying that way? Corey opens up about life on both sides of the bottle and what changed when he traded chaos for consistency: mornings that don’t start in shame, a mind that doesn’t spin stories, and relationships built on truth instead of excuses. It’s a candid walk through the quiet wins that stack into a different life: reliability, emotional balance, and the kind of peace you can feel in your chest.We dig into how trust is earned back one action at a time and why predictability—once dismissed as boring—turns out to be a gift. Corey breaks down the physical reset of sobriety, from real sleep to steady energy, and how that stability unlocks self-worth that isn’t tied to performance. We talk amends as responsibility, not a shortcut to forgiveness, and how consistency rewires identity. There’s purpose here too: service to newcomers, reaching back with a steady hand, and rediscovering creativity that addiction numbed. Financial stability shows up as part of the change—paying bills, saving a bit, planning ahead—because peace also lives in the practical.By the end, gratitude has a new shape: not denial of pain, but a clear-eyed reframing that turns survival into living. If you’re curious about the real benefits of recovery—clarity, honesty, purpose, emotional regulation, financial stability, creativity, and peace of mind—this conversation offers a map grounded in experience, not clichés. Listen, reflect, and share it with someone who needs to hear that freedom doesn’t have to be loud to last. Subscribe, leave a review, and tell us: what’s one quiet change that’s changed everything for you? 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/

Send us a textCould the opioid crisis be solved through genetic testing? What if doctors could identify your addiction risk before prescribing pain medication? These questions drive the innovative work at Thrive Genetics, where personalized medicine is revolutionizing how we approach pain management and addiction prevention.James Piacentino shares his journey from tech executive to healthcare innovator, motivated by watching his father struggle with alcoholism and prescription drug addiction. This deeply personal mission led him to create a system that combines genetic testing with behavioral analysis to generate comprehensive addiction risk profiles for patients before medical procedures.The science is compelling – addiction typically stems from a 50/50 split between genetic predisposition and behavioral factors. By analyzing both components through a proprietary algorithm, Thrive Genetics helps physicians tailor medication plans based on individual risk profiles. For high-risk patients, alternative approaches might include non-opioid medications or adjusted dosages, potentially saving countless individuals from developing dependencies.We explore the staggering statistics behind the opioid epidemic (Americans consume 99% of global hydrocodone) and discuss how personalized medicine represents a balanced approach that maintains quality care while addressing cost concerns. James walks us through the patient journey – from initial testing to personalized treatment plans – and shares powerful stories illustrating the human impact of addiction and recovery.Our conversation ventures beyond healthcare into profound territory, examining how family trauma shapes us, the nature of self-awareness in recovery, and philosophical questions about purpose and spiritual growth. James offers wisdom from both professional innovation and personal reflection, reminding us that sometimes our deepest wounds become the source of our greatest contributions to others.Connect with Thrive Genetics at thrivegeneticsai.com to learn more about this groundbreaking approach to addiction prevention and personalized medicine.http://www.thrivegenetics.ai/ Support the show 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/

Send us a textWhat version of yourself do you bring to work? To family gatherings? To your closest relationships? For many of us, these questions reveal uncomfortable truths about the different masks we wear throughout our lives.We don't put on these masks with malicious intent. They emerge from our deepest fears—fear of rejection, fear of inadequacy, fear that our authentic selves simply won't be enough. But what begins as self-protection gradually transforms into self-imprisonment. The exhaustion of juggling different personas, remembering which version of yourself you've shown to whom, and constantly monitoring your own behavior creates a crushing weight that few can sustain.The most revealing insight comes when we examine what bothers us in others. That colleague whose arrogance drives you crazy? That friend whose neediness feels suffocating? These triggers often reflect disowned aspects of ourselves—mirrors we'd rather not look into. Taking personal responsibility means asking the harder question: "What's my part in this dynamic?" The reflection may be uncomfortable, but it's where true growth begins.Freedom arrives when we commit to authenticity. One face. One truth. Just you. People intuitively sense incongruence between what you say and who you truly are, even if they can't articulate exactly what feels "off." Consistency builds trust far more effectively than perfection ever could. This week, try having just one honest conversation—with your spouse, your boss, or perhaps most importantly, with yourself. Take off just one mask and notice how much easier it becomes to breathe. Support the show 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/

Send us a textWhat are you truly hungry for? That's the question that drives this deeply introspective exploration of how our brains become trapped in cycles of avoidance and momentary pleasure. Your brain doesn't distinguish between sources of dopamine—whether from sugar, alcohol, or avoiding difficult sales conversations. The glass of wine wasn't about the taste; it was about not feeling lonely. The second plate wasn't about hunger; it was about silencing shame. Avoiding asking for the sale wasn't about the client; it was about protecting yourself from rejection. When you name what you're truly avoiding, these cravings begin to lose their power.Comfort feels safe, but functions like a barbed wire cage. It promises protection while imprisoning you in patterns that steal your future happiness. The late-night cupcake gives thirty seconds of pleasure but hours of regret. The "one more drink" becomes a cycle that robs you of clarity. The avoidance of asking for the sale feels temporarily safe, but it deprives you of results. These small choices you avoid today become your regrets tomorrow.Breaking free requires recognizing that pain isn't punishment—it's a doorway to growth. The discomfort of withdrawals, whether from substances or the anxiety of asking for a sale, signals transformation. Structure becomes your lifeline, providing the framework for sustainable change. Whether through recovery meetings or following sales processes, freedom isn't found in chaos but built through consistent structure. Every morning presents a choice: numb or grow, drink or recover, hide or ask for the sale. If you can survive addiction, you can survive discomfort. If you can survive discomfort, you can win the sale. And if you can win the sale, you can build the life you've been starving for. When that craving comes, don't feed the fear—feed your freedom.Ready to break free from your dopamine traps? Subscribe, leave a review, and join us every Friday as we continue exploring the path to a successful life built on courage, structure, and self-trust. Support the show 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/

Send us a textHave you ever caught yourself mindlessly scrolling your phone, finishing an entire bag of chips without noticing, or having "just one more" drink that turned into several? You're not alone, and it's not entirely your fault.Our brains are wired for reward, and modern life is designed to exploit this vulnerability. Whether it's sugar, alcohol, social media, or any quick-hit pleasure, they all trigger the same dopamine pathways – creating cycles of anticipation, temporary satisfaction, inevitable crash, and renewed craving. This podcast explores how these patterns silently shape our lives, one small choice at a time, until we find ourselves trapped in behaviors we never consciously chose.But breaking free is possible. True recovery goes beyond simple abstinence to address the underlying reasons we reach for these escapes in the first place. What pain are you numbing? What void are you trying to fill? Through establishing daily non-negotiables – consistent practices that ground your day and create a framework for healthier choices – you can begin rewiring your brain's reward system. Physical movement, nutritious eating, mindful consumption of information, and regular connection with supportive communities gradually restore natural dopamine balance, making it easier to find satisfaction in meaningful activities rather than quick fixes.Most importantly, this journey thrives in community, not isolation. "Addiction thrives when it's alone. Recovery thrives in connection." By keeping promises to yourself and building integrity through small daily choices, you create a life where artificial highs feel unnecessary compared to the deeper satisfaction of living authentically. The question becomes not "How do I avoid my addiction?" but "How do I build a life I don't want to escape from?" Listen in to discover how you can transform recovery from a series of deprivations into a journey of creation – crafting a life that truly satisfies your deepest needs.Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify if this episode resonated with you. Your feedback helps others find their way to this message when they need it most. Support the show 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/

Send us a textSocially acceptable addictions like alcohol and food hide in plain sight while society celebrates escaping emotions and mocks those trying to break free.• Most addicts don't look like stereotypical "addicts" but are regular people numbing themselves with wine and food• Food and alcohol work on the same neurotransmitters, creating powerful dopamine loops• Childhood conditioning often links food with both comfort and celebration• Addictions hide behind identities like "foodie culture" and "wine mom culture" • Common triggers for using food and alcohol include shame, loneliness, rejection, and boredom• Willpower alone cannot overcome addiction without addressing underlying emotional issues• Regulation habits like breathwork, prayer, and cold exposure can replace numbing habits• Sobriety isn't just about abstaining but about being emotionally present in your life• Building a community of like-minded people provides crucial support for recovery• The goal is to build a life you don't need to escape from through numbingSubscribe to the podcast and leave a review if you feel inclined, but most importantly, do something different today to move toward the life you want. Support the show 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/

Send us a textComfort is slowly killing us, but we don't even recognize it as an addiction. What happens when society's most celebrated coping mechanisms become our greatest chains? In this transformative episode, I pull back the curtain on the socially acceptable addictions that hide in plain sight: food and alcohol. These aren't stereotypical addictions – they're the wine moms at PTA meetings, the neighbors hosting barbecues, the coworkers bringing donuts, all numbing themselves with substances we collectively celebrate.The neuroscience tells a clear story: food and alcohol hijack the same brain pathways, creating powerful dopamine loops that keep us coming back despite the consequences. I share my personal journey through these dependencies, revealing how childhood conditioning, identity attachment, and cultural pressure maintain our comfortable prison of numbing behaviors. The most dangerous lie? That moderation proves we're not addicted.Breaking free requires more than willpower – it demands replacing numbing habits with regulation practices and confronting the emotions we're desperately avoiding: shame, loneliness, rejection, and boredom. My two months on the carnivore diet after years of sobriety have shown me what clarity and presence truly feel like, but the path wasn't easy. When you change, expect resistance from everyone comfortable with your former self.The ultimate goal isn't just avoiding substances but creating a life so fulfilling you don't need to escape from it. Take one step today – whether that's seeking community support, establishing accountability, or simply choosing presence over numbness. Subscribe to join me on this journey toward authentic living, and remember: there's nothing more powerful than building a life worth staying present for. Support the show 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/

Send us a textEver wonder what's holding back your business growth? The answer might be staring back at you in the mirror. Tom Howard, owner of multiple successful HVAC and plumbing companies and ServiceTitan executive, delivers a masterclass in ego-free leadership that transformed struggling businesses into multi-million dollar enterprises. His refreshingly blunt perspective challenges conventional wisdom: "You can be right or you can be rich. You get to pick one, but not both."Howard's approach to leadership is revolutionary yet practical. Rather than micromanaging, he advocates giving managers clear boundaries, financial targets, and then stepping aside. "I own probably eight different companies right now and then I work full-time at Service Titan as an executive. I can't do that if I don't have people that can run it." This philosophy creates true accountability and ownership throughout the organization.Perhaps most compelling is Howard's urgent message about AI adoption in trades businesses. "The AI revolution is going to be massive... AI is the opposite [of the Industrial Revolution]. It's giving these massive tools to the guy sitting on his laptop with an internet connection in his basement." He shares mind-blowing examples of AI automating call centers, creating training materials, and developing marketing content - all happening now, not in some distant future.Howard also distinguishes between belief and faith in business - a subtle but crucial difference. "It's one thing to believe something works; it's another to have enough faith to fully implement it." This insight explains why many businesses fail to execute proven strategies.Ready to remove your ego, embrace AI, and build a business that thrives even when you're not there? This episode is your blueprint. Check out Tom's book "Fetching Millions" on Amazon or visit howarddeals.com for his free acquisition guide. Support the show 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/