Episode 009 - When Everything Falls Apart: The Wisdom of Staying Awake Through Life's Breaking Points

The Sober Creative Podcast · Jul 3, 2025 · 45m

Five years ago, Ryan Conklin stood at the intersection of devastating loss and profound possibility. His dream job eliminated. His identity shattered. Everything he'd built carefully constructed around his career in the spirits industry—gone in a single day.

But instead of numbing the pain, Ryan made a vow that would transform his life: "Stay awake for this." That same day he quit drinking, not because he labeled himself with any particular identity, but because he chose presence over escape. What followed wasn't just recovery—it was a complete remaking of how he related to himself, his…