In one of the most heartfelt episodes of the Sober Life Rocks Podcast, host Margy Schaller sat down with Carolyn Delaney to explore her powerful recovery journey. From addiction and rock-bottom moments to founding a national magazine that amplifies stories of sobriety, Carolyn’s experience is a testament to the power of purpose and community.

Coping Through Alcohol: The Early Years

Carolyn’s recovery journey began with years of drinking to cope. She started young, drinking alone in quiet desperation. In high school, her private pain turned public—parties and popularity masked a deep emotional void.

Bottoming Out: Chaos, Consequences, and a Wake-Up Call

In her twenties, Carolyn’s drinking led to blackouts and dangerous decisions, including leaving her baby to party. Intervention came when CPS issued an ultimatum: go to treatment or lose your children. While sobriety didn’t stick the first time, it planted a lasting seed.

Embracing Recovery Since 1999

Determined to rewrite her story, Carolyn entered a women’s halfway house. She stayed sober and began building a stable life—eventually returning to her passion for technology and securing a job in IT.

The Birth of Journey Magazine: Sharing Stories of Sobriety

One vivid dream sparked a movement. Inspired by a vintage newsletter called Journey, Carolyn relaunched it as a modern magazine celebrating people in long-term recovery. Support came quickly, and Journey Magazine took off.

Expanding the Mission: From Recovery Circles to Workplaces

Journey didn’t stop at peer support. Carolyn’s team brought recovery education into the workplace—normalizing sobriety and reducing stigma for employees navigating addiction and healing.

A National Stage: Small Business of the Year in D.C.

Her work gained national attention, earning her the Small Business of the Year award in Maine and a trip to the White House. There, she met Vice President Kamala Harris and shared the slogan “Amplify Hope” in a moment of profound recognition.

Scaling Up and Paying It Forward

Now enrolled in the Goldman Sachs 10K Small Business Program, Carolyn is scaling Journey Magazine. Next stop: New Hampshire. After that, the entire country.

Full Circle: Family and Forgiveness

Today, Carolyn’s children and husband are part of the Journey team. Her once-fractured home has become a source of connection and healing.

Final Thoughts: Carolyn Delaney’s Recovery Journey as a Beacon of Hope

Carolyn’s story is a reminder that recovery is not an end—it’s a beginning. By turning her pain into purpose, she’s changing lives and dismantling stigma.

Listen to the full episode of Carolyn Delaney on the Sober Life Rocks podcast—available wherever you get your podcasts.

Stay connected to Carolyn: LinkedIn

Learn more about Journey Magazine: journey-magazine.com

The post Episode 57: Carolyn Delaney’s Recovery Journey: From Addiction to Amplifying Hope first appeared on Sober Life Rocks.