What happens when you’ve burned every bridge, lost your family, and can barely look at yourself in the mirror… but you still wake up knowing there has to be more?

In this honest and powerful episode of Warriors Unmasked, Chuck Thuss sits down with Ian—author of Wild Ride to Sobriety and founder of Make It Great—to explore what it truly takes to go from self-destruction to self-respect. Ian opens up about his early start with alcohol, the choices that cost him everything, and the moment he decided he was done being the villain in his own life story.

With unflinching vulnerability, Ian shares what sobriety has really been like—how he learned to feel again, to parent with purpose, and to rebuild not just his relationships but his entire identity. He talks about the power of small steps, daily disciplines, and the one decision that changed everything: to own his story instead of run from it.

Whether you’re struggling with addiction, recovery, or the nagging fear that it’s “too late,” Ian’s story is a beacon of hope. This episode reminds us all: rock bottom isn’t the end. Sometimes, it’s the beginning of your greatest chapter yet.

Key Takeaways:

• Sobriety isn’t just about quitting alcohol—it’s about finally facing your emotions and owning your worth.
• Change begins the moment you take radical responsibility for your life.
• Healing is possible even if you've made major mistakes; you are not beyond redemption.
• Small daily habits and consistency are the foundation for long-term transformation.
• Vulnerability is a strength that opens doors to deeper relationships and real growth.
• Your past doesn’t define your future—you can rewrite your story starting today.

LINKS:

• www.thecompassionateconnection.com
• www.warriorsunmasked.com

Guest Links:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: makeitgreat.me
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ian-fee-6391b112/
• Facebook: Make It Great
• Link to Book: Wild Ride To Sobriety: A Transformation from Drunken Oblivion to Profound Clarity

Episode Minute By Minute:

• 00:00 – Welcome to episode 195 with Ian
• 01:45 – Ian’s early years and drinking from a young age
• 04:00 – Losing everything: marriage, family, and self-respect
• 06:15 – The breaking point that sparked real change
• 08:30 – What early sobriety looked like and how he stayed committed
• 11:00 – Rebuilding from the inside out: parenting, self-worth, and habits
• 14:15 – Launching Make It Great and the Wild Ride to Sobriety
• 17:30 – Learning to feel again: the role of emotions in recovery
• 20:00 – Why your inner story matters more than your past
• 23:00 – Tips for anyone ready to make a change
• 25:00 – Ian’s message to anyone who feels broken: You’re not alone
• 27:00 – Final thoughts: Choose today to make it great