Thriving Beyond Sobriety: A Holistic Recovery Approach with Brian McAlister

If you’re ready to break free from limiting beliefs, embrace personal growth, or learn how to create a life worth living—whether you’re in recovery or simply seeking more fulfillment—this episode with Brian McAlister is for you.

More info, resources & ways to connect - https://www.tacosfallapart.com/podcast-live-show/podcast-guests/brian-mcalister

In this episode of Even Tacos Fall Apart, Brian McAlister, author of Full Recovery and founder of the Full Recovery Wellness Center, shared his inspiring journey from addiction to a fulfilling life rooted in holistic recovery. With humor, raw honesty, and practical advice, Brian walked us through the highs and lows of his transformation.

Brian began by recounting his battle with addiction, which started at age 12 and led to a catastrophic motorcycle crash in the desert. That moment of clarity - literally at rock bottom - sparked his decision to change. Despite a four-year recovery to relearn how to walk, he admitted to falling back into his old habits before finally committing to sobriety on August 2, 1990.

His recovery philosophy goes beyond quitting substances. He emphasizes the importance of building a fulfilling life - financial stability, meaningful relationships, and spiritual growth. For Brian, recovery isn’t just about not drinking; it’s about creating a life that makes sobriety worth it.

Brian’s approach is practical and full of actionable advice. He advocates for replacing unhealthy distractions with goals that excite you and align with your purpose. He shared how asking better questions, like “Who’s getting the results I want?” helped him pivot from a minimum-wage job to leading a division with 10,000 employees.

The conversation covered fear’s role in holding people back, whether it’s fear of failure, success, or change. Brian stressed the importance of confronting these fears and breaking down challenges into manageable steps. For example, he explained how addicts often fear success more than failure because they’re so used to falling short. He reframed the mindset by encouraging listeners to embrace small wins and use them to build momentum.

Spirituality also played a critical role in Brian’s recovery. He discussed finding a higher power of his understanding, which opened the door to forgiveness - both of himself and others. For Brian, spirituality isn’t tied to any specific religion. It’s about connecting with something bigger than yourself to navigate life’s challenges.

One of the most impactful parts of the episode was Brian’s emphasis on finding your purpose. He spoke about helping others uncover what excites them, using examples of people he’s worked with. From a Wall Street professional-turned-environmental advocate to a former prisoner who started a lawn care business, Brian showed how identifying your passions can transform your life.

The interview wrapped up with a discussion about balance. Brian acknowledged that he still struggles with maintaining harmony between his career, personal life, and recovery. His advice? Regularly reassess your priorities and be honest about what’s working and what isn’t.

Whether you’re battling addiction, supporting someone who is, or simply trying to live a more fulfilling life, Brian’s story is a testament to the power of resilience and self-discovery. His key message? Sobriety isn’t just about staying clean - it’s about building a life you’re proud of.