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BeTempered Episode 69 - Doug Macias: Finding Faith, Community, and Recovery
Manage episode 504543379 series 3645493
What happens when a successful executive's carefully constructed facade finally crumbles, revealing decades of addiction, pain, and self-deception? Doug Macias knows this journey all too well. For more than 20 years, he was trapped in cycles of alcoholism, drug abuse, and emotional isolation. His story is raw, unflinching, and proof that even the most outwardly successful lives can mask unimaginable pain.
In this episode of BeTempered, hosted by Dan Schmidt and Ben Spahr, Doug takes us back to the fracture point of his parents’ divorce at 16. That painful event set him on a path of chasing acceptance through partying, material possessions, and chemical escapes. With brutal honesty, he shares how his intelligence and charm often earned him second chances after reckless and dangerous behavior, but those missed opportunities for accountability only fueled his downward spiral.
Everything began to change on December 28, 2016—Doug’s sobriety date after a destructive holiday binge. From that moment, he embarked on the difficult, non-linear path of recovery: admitting powerlessness, accepting help, walking into 12-step meetings, and rebuilding life step by step. He shares how recovery isn’t always straightforward—facing homelessness and hardships even after years of sobriety—but also how resilience, persistence, and faith transformed his life.
The most powerful part of Doug’s journey is his shift from isolation to connection. After decades of hiding behind walls, he discovered healing through community, faith, and service to others. Today, working in community development and openly sharing his story, Doug shows how helping others becomes the greatest form of self-healing. His testimony proves that no matter how far you’ve fallen, redemption is possible—one day, one hour, even one minute at a time.
🎙️ BeTempered isn’t just a podcast—it’s a movement. Each conversation with hosts Dan Schmidt and Ben Spahr uncovers stories of brokenness, resilience, and hope—reminders that transformation is possible.
👉 Support the mission and watch every episode live at Patreon.com/BeTempered
✨ Explore more at BeTempered.com
Chapters
1. Introduction and Opening Prayer (00:00:00)
2. Doug's Childhood and Early Struggles (00:03:10)
3. Escalating Addiction and Failed Attempts (00:12:50)
4. Rock Bottom and Starting Recovery (00:24:00)
5. First Year of Sobriety Challenges (00:41:08)
6. Depression, Medication, and New Tools (01:00:17)
7. Faith Journey and Spiritual Awakening (01:15:55)
8. From Homeless Shelter to New Purpose (01:34:00)
9. Final Reflections and Park Bench Question (01:45:40)
73 episodes
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