Introduction
What does it take to come back from the edge? In this powerful episode of the Second Chance Podcast, Jeff Robertson sits down with Ryan Penley—a man who’s gone from being wanted in three states and waking up from a coma to becoming a powerful force in the world of addiction recovery and personal transformation. As the founder of My Rock Bottom Recovery and author of Man Up. Sober Up., Ryan is leading a community of over 215,000 people on a mission of healing and redemption.
From Fugitive to Father
Ryan’s story isn’t clean. It’s not pretty. It’s real. From reckless street deals to living in alleyways, from being in a coma to reading a police report saying he tried to kill his own mother—Ryan’s rock bottom wasn’t one moment. It was a season. One that nearly took him out. But instead of staying down, he got up.
He didn’t just find sobriety. He rebuilt his life brick by brick—landing a job at Home Goods, facing old charges, and turning himself in across multiple states. And today? He’s a husband, a father, a published author, and a coach helping other men rewrite their stories too.
The Power of Reinvention
In this episode, Ryan dives into what true reinvention looks like—not just getting clean, but staying clean, building systems, taking accountability, and most importantly, being of service. He talks about turning the same energy he once used to hunt down a fix into helping others get their lives back on track.
Coaching that Hits Different
Ryan doesn’t have a PhD in psychology—but he does have a PhD in pain, relapse, and real-life redemption. His recovery coaching is raw, practical, and future-focused. He doesn’t waste time unpacking the past. He helps men find their fire again, reshape their identity, and start stacking wins—one day at a time.
Key Takeaways
- Reinvention is a process of small wins and relentless effort.
- Addiction is a powerful force—but so is service and purpose.
- Your past doesn’t define you, your next move does.
- Turning pain into power is not only possible—it’s necessary.
Connect with Ryan Penley
- Website: ryanpenley.org
- 21-Day Free Challenge: myrockbottomrecovery.com
- Facebook: My Rock Bottom Recovery
Final Thoughts
Ryan reminds us that rock bottom isn’t the end—it’s the beginning of something powerful. If you or someone you love is in a dark place, this episode is your reminder: there’s always a way out, and it starts with the next right step.
Be sure to share this episode with someone who needs to hear it. And if you’re ready to rewrite your story, connect with Ryan and start your own path to recovery today.
