They Had True, Real Joy In Their Eyes

In this episode, originally from the Nature Untold Podcast, Emily Holland talks with professional chit-chatter and word nerd, pow-hunting enthusiast, dog dad, and self-described addict, Paddy O’Connell. Paddy spent much of his adult life in repetitive cycles of addiction and pain, which all came to a head when he was 29. His story includes depression and trauma, but it also includes laughter and pure, joyful moments. He works every day at his sobriety and strives to show others how beautiful sobriety can truly be.

Learn more about Plug Tone Audio

In this episode, we discuss:

• The Marvel universe (no, that’s not a typo)

• What life was like growing up in an Irish family in Chicago

• Where he got ‘the gift of gab’

• Eruptions of unadulterated joy

• The moments that led up to Paddy confronting his addictions

• The importance of supportive and loving community

• His experience with a treatment facility

• How he came into recovery to finally get a rest, but came out with the opportunity for a truly joyful and freeing life

• Why the most dangerous words in the English language are ‘I got this’

• How the outdoor community should celebrate vulnerability as much as we celebrate sending it

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Books:

  • Between The World And Me

  • White Fragility

  • 60 Meters To Anywhere

• Magazines:

  • Freeskier

  • Adventure Journal

• Writer:

  • Steve Casimiro

How to catch up with Paddy:

• Instagram

• Website

Thank you, as always, for listening to this episode. Please free free to follow along on the show’s Instagram, our private Facebook group, or wherever you’d like.