Sound, Sobriety and Success with Matt Pinfield

Mayra Dias Gomes is a bestselling author, journalist, TV host, wrestler, model, and Matt’s neighbor. She shares her struggles with mental health and alcoholism and how becoming sober improved her life.

On this episode, Mayra talks to Matt about:

• Growing up in Brazil and being a “rock kid” at school
• How the tragic loss of her father made her so rebellious she eventually got kicked out o...

Patrick Alan Stone, lead singer of Budderside, shares how years of drug use brought him to a dark place and how he was able to find a better life in recovery. He discusses how his acting and music careers and better relationships were only possible through sobriety.

On this episode, Patrick talks to Matt about:

• Using drugs and drinking from a very early age
• The tragic loss of his siste...

Captain Paul Swain, officer of the Salvation Army, and Norman Mackenzie, Community Engagement Coordinator at the Salvation Army Adult Rehabilitation Center (ARC) in San Diego share how the ARC turned their lives around and how they have devoted their lives in service to others. They discuss the ARC’s Second Chances campaign giving people struggling with addiction free treatment and another opportunity at life.

On this episode, Cap...

Duff McKagan, founding member of Guns N’ Roses and Velvet Revolver shares how a near-death experience forced him to get sober and all the good that came from turning his life around. He recounts tales from the road, the music he loves, and what sobriety means to him.

On this episode, Duff talks to Matt about:

• Growing up in Seattle as the youngest of 8 kids.
• Leaving home and moving to L...

Former record exec, Triple A format editor at AllAccess.com, and certified hypnotist and life coach Lynn McDonnell describes hypnotism and other techniques she used to become sober. She discusses working on herself and how she now helps others work be their best selves.

On this episode, Lynn talks to Matt about:

• Growing up in Buffalo, NY and her sibling rivalry
• How she used hypnotism to reprogram her brain and ...

Frontman of Everclear, A&R rep, and activist Art Alexakis shares his experience using substances starting from an early age, and how he recovered. He discusses a difficult childhood that led to a life of music, sobriety, and activism.

On this episode, Art talks to Matt about:

• Growing up without a father in housing projects
• Tragedies early on that affected his life

Rock star, actor, and DJ on Little Steven’s Underground Garage Michael Des Barres shares stories from his decades-long music and acting career and over 4 decades of sobriety. He discusses the numerous bands and musicians he’s worked with and his advice for living a rock & roll life while staying sober.

On this episode, Michael talks to Matt about:

• Growing up in boarding schools without a mom or dad
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Music producer Jeff Saenz of Modern Electric Sound Recorders in Dallas shares how his life was forever changed when both his arms were amputated following an accident. He discusses how he overcame adversity and chose to push forward, stay sober, and continue to pursue his love for music.

On this episode, Jeff talks to Matt about:

• Discovering music from an early age and hs love for rock

Lawyer and activist Dina LaPolt shares how her love of music inspired her to become a lawyer for entertainers and entrepreneurs and found her own law firm. She discusses her journey to sobriety, her activism, and how she strives to help people every day.

On this episode, Dina talks to Matt about:

• Growing up in upstate New York and studying classical music in college
• Getting into law sc...

Administration of the Salvation Army San Bernadino Adult Rehabilitation Center, Major Donald Sheppard shares his recovery journey and how he devoted his life to service of others. On this episode, Major Don talks to Matt about:

• His childhood in Pasadena and raising arabian horses for the Rose Parade and getting to meet celebrities such as Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz as a child
• Growing u...

Univision reporter and author Juan Carlos González shares the story of his son, Ale who committed suicide after struggling with drug use and discusses how his new book encourages conversations between parents and their children about drugs and suicide.

On this episode, Juan Carlos talks to Matt about:

• How his son was always kind and friendly despite his addiction and when Juan Carlos realized his so...

Guitarist and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee with Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, Ricky Byrd, shares stories from his incredible rock career and how he became a Recovery Troubadour using music to inspire people struggling with addiction.

On this episode, Ricky talks to Matt about:

• How he got into rock music and his very first performance
• Growing up in NYC and the clubs he freque...

Radio vet Thor Dodd, co-host of The Show on Rock 105.3 in San Diego, opens up about how he turned his life around and became sober at 20 and how he’s committed to serving local programs to help others recover.

On this episode, Thor talks to Matt about:

• Struggling in school due to drug and alcohol use
• Going to 10 different rehab programs but still struggling to stay sober

Celebrity and Sports agent Darren Prince, who represented stars such as Magic Johnson, Dennis Rodman, and Muhammad Ali, shares his recovery journey and how he became an advocate and speaker on addiction recovery and mental health. He opens up about being successful not in terms of wealth or fame, but through his internal healing and being of service to others.

On this episode, Darren talks to Matt about:

Chrissy Metz, the Emmy and Golden Globe nominated Actress and singer known for playing Kate Pierce on This is Us, shares what she learned from playing a mother addicted to opioids in the film “Stay Awake.” She also discusses her history of food issues, life lessons from her memoir, and starting her music career.

On this episode, Chrissy talks to Matt about:

• How she got into acting and the long road to ...

Grammy-winning singer, dancer, and actor AJ McLean of the Backstreet Boys shares his journey from addiction to recovery, the highlights of performing, and how getting sober has improved his music and changed his perspective.

On this episode, AJ talks to Matt about:

• How he got into dancing, acting, and singing from an early age, and his passion for performing
• What started his trouble...

Former reality star on MTV’s popular reality show “Laguna Beach” and advocate Jason Wahler shares his struggles with addiction from an early age and how being a reality star on the show as a teen changed his life. Wahler discusses his journey through addiction, recovery, relapse, and then dedicating himself to helping others facing the same issues he did. 

On this episode, Jason talks to Matt about:

• His d...

Grammy Winning Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee Matt Sorum shares his experiences as the drummer for iconic rock bands such as Guns N Roses, The Cult, and Velvet revolver. Sorum discusses his journey from drug smuggler to rock star, the peaks and valleys of his career, life on tour, and settling down to become a family man. 

On this episode, the Matts talk about:

• How Ringo Starr inspired him to get i...

Singer songwriter TJ George, and bassist and producer Vernon Porter are the principal forces behind Heroes and Legends, a new album that features Bill Medley (Righteous Brother), Bill Champlin (formerly of Chicago), Michael McDonald, Richard Page (formerly of Mr. Mister). They share with Matt Pinfield their experience creating Demand Impact, and the struggle of watching loved ones suffer from addiction. They speak openly about loss...