In this heartfelt episode of Not All There, Chad sits down with his dear friend Amy D., a gifted storyteller and fierce spirit in long-term recovery. Amy shares her powerful journey of identity, addiction, and healing—beginning with her experience growing up adopted into a prominent localfamily and the early signs that she didn’t drink like everyone else. From chasing creative dreams at film school to working in Hollywood, and eventually returning to Chicago, Amy's story is one of resilience, self-discovery, and survival.

Together, Chad and Amy open up about the winding path of recovery—its triumphs, its setbacks, and the lessons learned along the way. They also share a deeply emotional tribute to their beloved friend Vic, who passed away fromcancer on April 29, 2025. Vic’s life and legacy touched them both profoundly, and this episode is lovingly dedicated to his memory.

This one’s raw, real, and full of grace. A reminder that no matter how far we drift, there’s always a way back—to recovery, to community, and to ourselves.
In loving memory of Vic 💔🕊️

Takeaways

Amy was adopted and discovered her biological family later in life.

She came from a long line of alcoholics, which influenced her relationship with alcohol.

Her first experience with alcohol was at a young age, leading to early struggles with drinking.

Amy's journey to sobriety began when she surrounded herself with sober friends.

She faced challenges in Los Angeles, losing her support system and struggling with addiction again.

Marriage brought its own set of challenges, especially with her husband's career in the film industry.

Amy's postpartum depression led her to seek help and ultimately return to drinking.

The importance of community and connection in recovery cannot be overstated.

Faith and creativity play crucial roles in personal growth and recovery.

The conversation highlights the need for love and support in overcoming life's challenges.

Keywords

sobriety, addiction, recovery, community, personal growth, mental health, family, creativity, faith, relationships