What happens when a guy hits rock bottom and insteadof staying there, builds a retreat in paradise where people heal using psychedelics? You get Andrew Tansil. In this episode, the founder of Sayulita Wellness Retreat walks us through his own mental health reckoning, how plantmedicine cracked him open (in a good way), and why healing works best when you do it with intention, honesty, and a few strangers in the jungle. It’s a conversation about tripping with purpose, facing your shadow, and choosing connectionover chaos—with just enough weird to keep it real.

In this episode of Not All There, host Chad Johnson sits down with Barney Whiter, one of the UK’s leading financial coaches, for an honest and revealing conversation about the connection between money, fear, and alcohol.

Speaking from his home just outside London, Barney opens up about how his drinking once fueled his drive and dulled his childhood anxieties around financial security—but at a cost. What started as a coping mechanism became abarrier to his health, his happiness, and his professional fulfillment.

Barney shares intimate details of what life was like before, during, and after his drinking, and how sobriety reshaped not only his relationship with alcohol, but also with money, purpose, and self-worth. If you've ever wonderedhow high-functioning professionals mask deep-rooted fears with booze—or how it feels to strip all that away and start again—this one’s for you.

This is a story of financial expertise, personal reckoning, and the clarity that comes when the fog lifts.

Takeaways

Barney Weider transitioned from finance to coaching after experiencing burnout.

He emphasizes the intersection of finance, career, and health in his coaching.

Burnout is a significant issue in modern work culture.

Barney's journey involved a 35-year drinking career that he reflects on critically.

He highlights the gradual nature of addiction and its creeping effects.

COVID-19 impacted many people's drinking habits, including his own.

Health scares prompted Barney to confront his alcohol use.

Self-awareness is crucial for personal growth and recovery.

Barney uses various techniques to help clients find their own paths.

The process of recovery is about discovery and understanding oneself.

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