Mucking Out Our Stalls From Rock Bottom to Responsibility
Mike and Bill | Sober Not Mature podcast (January 17, 2026)
The Sober Not Mature podcast episode features a wide-ranging conversation with Jim O’Connor, founder and executive director of the Second Story Foundation, who joined hosts Bill and Mike to discuss his personal recovery story and the work behind Second Story Ranch. During the episode, O’Connor recounts his path from homelessness, incarceration, and a suicide attempt to long-term sobriety, emphasizing the role of structure, accountability, and work in building durable recovery. The discussion focuses on solutions rather than “drunk logs,” examining responsibility, trauma, and the importance of forward momentum, while also highlighting how O’Connor’s lived experience informs Second Story’s workforce development and peer-supported recovery programs for men rebuilding their lives.
This week we have Jim O’Connor.
Jim is the founder and executive director of the Second Story Foundation, where he leads long-term recovery and workforce programs for men rebuilding their lives after substance use disorder.
After experiencing homelessness and severe alcoholism, O’Connor entered recovery in 2016, an experience that reshaped his life and approach to healing. Drawing on both lived experience and professional training as a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor, he developed recovery models centered on structure, meaningful work, and community.
His work and thought leadership have been featured by WGN, Fox 32 Chicago, and the Chicago Tribune.
We had a great conversation with Jim and make sure that you visit and donate to "Boots On Let's Go" - Second Story Foundation.
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