Season 2 Episode 5 with Ryan Penley
- Author
- Daryl Dittmer
- Published
- Wed 14 May 2025
- Episode Link
- None
Adversity | Struggle | Not Fitting In | Unraveling | Addictions Grip | Personal Growth | Helping Others
Ryan Penley has over six years of sobriety. Ryan has transformed his experiences with addiction into valuable lessons for others still struggling, embodying hope and resilience. He not only shares his personal journey but also aims to inspire those still in the depths of addiction through his debut book, "Man Up, Sober Up," and as the host of "The Next Fix" podcast.
Ryan expresses gratitude for the opportunity to represent the recovery community and emphasizes the importance of providing hope to those in need. Ryan reflects on his early experiences with alcohol, which began when he was just trying to gain the confidence to socialize and engage with others.
As he transitioned into a professional bartending role in Las Vegas for over eleven years, he initially felt in control and enjoyed the perks of his lifestyle. However, beneath the surface, he began to develop multiple addictions beyond just alcohol, leading to a rapid unraveling of his life. This pivotal moment highlighted the precarious nature of addiction, where everything can seem fine until it suddenly isn't.
In an attempt to escape his unhealthy lifestyle, Ryan moved to Colorado, believing that a change in scenery would help him overcome his struggles. However, he quickly learned that running away from his problems was futile, as he brought his addiction with him. Settling in a small town of just six thousand people, he expected that it would be easier to start fresh, but he was mistaken. Despite the change in environment, he found a way to maintain his destructive habits, illustrating the powerful grip of addiction that can persist regardless of location. Ryan’s story serves as a testament to the challenges faced by those in recovery, as well as the lessons learned along the way. He discusses the importance of personal growth through adversity and how sharing experiences can plant seeds of hope that may sprout later. By creating platforms like his book and podcast, Ryan aims to reach others battling their demons, providing them with a glimmer of hope for a better future.
Find Ryan here:
https://www.amazon.com/Man-Up-Sober-Up-Isolation-ebook/dp/B0CPL4STYR
