In this episode of The Hanley Effect, Dr. John Dyben and Dr. Rachel Docekal sit down with Michael Herbert, a seasoned addiction counselor, interventionist, recovery coach, and author of The Recovery Roadmap: A Guide to Freedom and Adventure. With over 30 years of experience helping people heal, Michael brings not only deep professional insight but also a remarkable personal journey of transformation.
From running 155 miles through the Sahara Desert to feeding wild hyenas in Ethiopia, Michael’s life is anything but ordinary, and so is his approach to recovery.
He shares why he believes the first months of sobriety are a time of discovery, not recovery, how he helps clients design their own unique path, and why traditional cookie-cutter methods often fall short when it comes to building a sustainable, joyful life.
Whether you’re someone in recovery, a loved one, or a clinician, Michael’s grounded wisdom and compassionate perspective offer hope, humor, and practical tools for real-life change.
What You’ll Learn
- Why Michael thinks “recovery” isn’t the right word for the early months of sobriety
- His thoughts on how to move beyond the 12-step script and find your path
- Why integrity isn’t about being perfect, it’s about being real
- How adventure and service have helped Michael and his clients grow stronger
- What families and professionals often overlook in early recovery
- How to build a life rooted in meaning, connection, and purpose
About Our Guest
Michael Herbert has worked with CEOs, parolees, families in crisis, and individuals desperate for change. He’s known for his Recovery Roadmap approach, practical, adaptable, and full of real-life strategies that meet people where they are.
He’s run across deserts, climbed volcanoes, built schools, and walked with clients through some of the darkest moments of their lives. His work is about more than just sobriety; it’s about rediscovery, authenticity, and building a life worth staying sober for.
Learn more about Michael’s work at https://coachmichaelherbert.com/ and purchase his book The Recovery Roadmap: A Guide to Freedom and Adventure at https://a.co/d/4auZLAr
