In this eye-opening episode of The Recovery Vow, Eric Kennedy sits down with recovery legend John Shinholser, founder of the McShin Foundation—to unpack 40+ years of recovery, advocacy, and unapologetic truth.

John got sober in the Marine Corps in 1982 and went on to become one of the most recognized voices in addiction recovery in the U.S. From painting houses to building one of the most effective peer-led recovery organizations in the country, his story is equal parts raw, inspiring, and practical.

John shares how a backyard campfire conversation with his wife led to the launch of McShin, what it takes to build sustainable recovery infrastructure, and why real help means meeting people exactly where they are. He also opens up about his recent work in harm reduction, kratom, cannabis, and why he believes the future of recovery must be more inclusive and less dogmatic.

With decades of experience, brutal honesty, and a deep love for the recovery community, John brings both wisdom and warning: we’re at a critical turning point in America’s recovery landscape—and we need to get it right.

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Learn more about McShin: mcshin.org

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