Ryan Penley Shares His Transformative Journey And Practical Advice For Overcoming Addiction And Thriving In Recovery
Ryan Penley discusses his journey to sobriety, the pivotal moments that shaped him, and offers actionable advice for those seeking recovery.
Ryan Penley stands as a beacon of hope and resilience in the realm of addiction recovery. As an author, speaker, and coach, he has dedicated his life to guiding individuals through the tumultuous journey of overcoming addiction and embracing sobriety. His latest work, “Man Up. Sober Up“, published in December 2023, is a testament to his commitment to helping others reclaim their lives. In this insightful book, Penley outlines eight transformative steps that empower readers to not only achieve sobriety but to thrive in their newfound freedom. Through his platform, MyRockBottomRecovery.com, he offers invaluable resources, including a 21-Day Sobriety Challenge, designed to equip individuals with practical tools for sustainable recovery. Penley’s podcast and coaching services further exemplify his passion for fostering purpose and fulfilment in the lives of those navigating the complexities of sobriety.
Recently, we had the privilege of conducting an interview with Ryan Penley, where he candidly shared the experiences and insights that have shaped his journey. His reflections on the pivotal moments that led him to sobriety, along with the wisdom he imparts through his work, provide a profound understanding of the recovery process. In our conversation, he discusses the turning points that defined his path, the lessons learned from his diverse life experiences, and the actionable advice he offers to those embarking on their own recovery journeys.
“Embracing radical honesty is the foundational step in recovery. Without it, progress stalls.”
What was the turning point that led you to choose sobriety and how did you maintain your commitment to it over the years?
There wasn’t a single turning point for me. However, many circumstances should have been. One was waking up in a hospital after a near-death experience, tethered to machines and surrounded by friends who had been waiting for days, hoping I’d recover. It wasn’t just a moment of clarity; it was a realization of the debt I felt to those who still cared for me despite my destructive behavior. Maintaining my commitment to sobriety involved creating a belief system and taking purposeful actions that aligned with my new identity as a sober individual. I also found strength in reframing my perspective, seeing challenges not as destructive forces but as opportunities for growth.
How did your experiences living in different places like Florida, Las Vegas, and Colorado shape your journey and perspective on life?
Living in places like Florida, Las Vegas, and Colorado gave me diverse experiences and challenges. For instance, my time in Colorado included a traumatic health crisis that marked a pivotal moment in my sobriety journey. These places were not just geographical markers but stages where I faced and learned from the consequences of my addiction. They taught me that while external environments change, the internal battle remains the same, and that true transformation requires addressing the internal struggle, not just changing locations.
“I learned to see challenges not as destructive forces but as opportunities for growth.”
Can you share some insights or advice from your book “Man Up. Sober Up.” that you believe are crucial for someone starting their recovery journey?
One crucial piece of advice from “Man Up. Sober Up.” is the importance of embracing radical honesty. I emphasize that honesty with oneself is a foundational step in recovery. Without it, progress stalls. I encourage individuals to take a hard look at their lives, acknowledge their circumstances, and start taking responsibility for their actions. I also promote the idea of building a belief system—one that includes seeing the potential for growth and transformation, even in difficult situations. Also, start a journal.
What inspired you to write “Man Up. Sober Up.” and share your personal journey with others?
I wanted to offer a guide that combines my personal story with actionable steps for recovery. My goal was to reach people who might feel trapped in addiction, isolated, or disrespected, and show them a way to reclaim their lives. I felt a responsibility to share my journey honestly and provide a structured, empowering approach to sobriety—one rooted in my own experiences and the lessons I’ve learned along the way.
Can you elaborate on one of the zero-cost action steps mentioned in your book that readers can implement immediately to start their recovery journey?
One zero-cost action step I suggest is using self-reflection exercises. I encourage readers to take time each day to observe their behavior, thoughts, and emotions honestly by journaling (written mirror). This could be as simple as looking in the mirror and confronting a single uncomfortable truth about themselves, gradually building up the habit of introspection. By starting small, individuals can develop the habit of facing reality and making incremental changes that lead to lasting recovery.
How do you address the feelings of isolation and shame that often accompany addiction, and what advice do you offer to help individuals overcome these emotions?
I address isolation and shame by encouraging connection and radical honesty. I suggest reaching out to others, even when it’s difficult, and creating a support network that holds us accountable in a compassionate way. In “Man Up. Sober Up.“, I also emphasize the power of reframing shame into motivation for change, viewing it as a signal to address past behavior rather than as a weight to carry. By doing so, we can move past shame and build connections based on authenticity and mutual support.
Could you share an example of a lesson from a thought leader that you found particularly impactful and included in your book? How can readers apply this lesson to their own recovery process?
I include lessons from thought leaders like David Goggins, who emphasize resilience and the power of belief. One particularly impactful lesson is the idea that “if you don’t believe in something greater than yourself, your life will seriously hurt.” This perspective, drawn from Goggins, encourages readers to develop a sense of purpose that transcends their immediate struggles. By finding or creating a “why” that drives them, individuals can endure and overcome the challenges of addiction, using their struggles as fuel for transformation.
