Failure doesn’t feel good. Or at least, it doesn’t until you change the way you think about it. Too often, people put so much time and energy into avoiding experiencing failure that they fail to move forward at all. That can be said for life in general, but it’s especially true in recovery – when fear of failure holds you back from even trying to quit, and then keeps holding you back from making the other changes that need to be made, too.
In this podcast episode, we’re chatting with Katie (recovery coach for Peer180 RCO), Matt (host of Till The Wheels Fall Off podcast), and Elizabeth (host of Intelligence on the Rocks podcast) to talk about how fear of failure has shown up in our sobriety journeys, and how we’ve learned not just to face the fear, but embrace it.
Key points in this episode:
- Redefining success in order to redefine failure
- Turning failure into opportunities for growth that you can be proud of
- The danger in not telling anyone your goals in an attempt to hide any failure that might come
- Big fears – like failing our children
- 2 kinds of failure – the useful kind, and the not so useful kind
- When fear of failure shows up as procrastination
- Is it fear of failure, or fear of what people will think?
- Developing shame resilience
- The danger of keeping the bar so low that you can never fail
Meet Our Guests:
Elizabeth is a host on Intelligence on the Rocks, a podcast that explores the complexities of sober living with honesty, humor, and insight. Now in its sixth season, the show dives into the challenges and triumphs of sobriety, offering fresh perspectives and real conversations. Alongside her co-host Antonio, Elizabeth shares stories, expert insights, and candid discussions to support and inspire anyone navigating an alcohol-free life. Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and more.
Social Media Links:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Intelligence-on-the-Rocks/100094274950501/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/intelligenceontherocks/
Threads: https://www.threads.net/@intelligenceontherocks
X: https://x.com/IOTRpodcast
Katie Baugh is a Young Adult Recovery Coach at Peer 180, dedicated to guiding others on their recovery journeys. In sustained recovery since April 2022, she overcame addiction, trauma, and mental health struggles through accountability, community, and holistic healing. Her transformation led her from participant to professional, allowing her to give back to the recovery community. Now, she empowers others with empathy and support, believing that true recovery begins when treatment ends.
Matt Robinson, Co-Host of Till the Wheels Fall Off Podcast
Matt Robinson is a podcast co-host, writer, and content creator behind Till the Wheels Fall Off – a platform founded with his wife Paige to support spouses and partners during, and after, addiction. Their work focuses primarily on the journey of spouses and partners of people struggling with substance use disorder.
After getting sober in 2013, Matt began the hard and humbling work of rebuilding his life and marriage – not just by quitting substances, but by learning how to take ownership, grow emotionally, and show up as a real partner.
Through honest storytelling and lessons learned the hard way, Matt speaks to the messy, unglamorous parts of recovery that people don’t often talk about. His work is about more than addiction – it’s about what comes after, and how we all have the power to choose who we become next.
Website:
Program Website for Spouses and Partners: www.independentlystrong.com
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/till-the-wheels-fall-off/id1645024674
https://www.instagram.com/twfo_couple?igsh=MWJ2dmVoZ3ZtbnRrZA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
Loved this conversation? Let’s keep it going.
Failure isn’t the end—it’s part of the process. If today’s episode resonated with you, here are a few ways to take the next step:
- Join our free recovery support meeting on Monday – because you don’t have to figure this out alone. Click Here
- Follow us on social media for daily encouragement and real talk about sobriety. @throughtheglassrecovery on IG
- Subscribe to our newsletter for more insights, stories, and support straight to your inbox. Subscribe Here
- Leave a rating & review – your words help more people find this podcast and start their own journey.
Whichever step you take, just know this—you’re not failing, you’re learning. And you’re not alone in it.
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