9 Oct 2026
The Turning Point: How My Child Saved My Life from Addiction
In this powerful episode of Coached Soul, Dr. Steve Hudgins sits down with Rich Dunning to explore his deeply personal journey from addiction, emotional pain, and childhood trauma toward sobriety, healing, and hope.
Rich openly shares his struggle with alcoholism and the experiences that shaped his life long before addiction took hold. He discusses the impact of childhood trauma, the importance of breaking the silence surrounding painful experiences, and the role his family played in his journey toward recovery. At one of the most difficult moments of his life, his son became instrumental in saving his life, creating a turning point that would change Rich's path.
The conversation also explores the difficult but transformative process of finding your voice after years of silence. Rich reflects on family, forgiveness, sobriety, resilience, and his growing passion for helping others who may be struggling with addiction or carrying unresolved pain.
Whether you are navigating your own recovery, supporting someone you love, or simply looking for hope after a difficult season, Rich's story is a powerful reminder that you are not alone, and healing and transformation are possible.
In This Episode, You’ll Discover:
Rich Dunning's journey through alcoholism and addiction
How childhood trauma and emotional pain can shape adult life
The importance of breaking the silence around painful experiences
The life-changing moment when Rich's son helped save his life
The challenges and realities of the road to sobriety
The role of family and forgiveness in the healing process
Why finding your voice can be an important part of recovery
How painful experiences can become a source of purpose
The importance of hope, resilience, and asking for help
Why recovery can open the door to a completely different future
Key Moments:
00:00 Rich discusses overcoming alcoholism
05:42 Starting sobriety journey
06:57 Reflecting on childhood trauma
11:29 Making amends for past actions
15:49 Facing the reality of addiction
18:52 Addressing abuse and offering support
22:12 Book release and foundation support
23:21 Overcoming life's challenges and realizations
Rich Dunning's journey is a reminder that even after addiction, trauma, and profound emotional pain, a new chapter is possible. Sometimes the first step toward healing is finding the courage to finally speak.
Listen to the full episode of Coached Soul and hear Rich's story of addiction, recovery, healing, and hope.
About the guest :
Rich Dunning is a senior executive in the medical device industry with more than two decades of experience leading in high-stakes environments. Raised in the Bronx in an environment marked by instability and a lack of protection, Rich developed an early awareness and sense of control that would later influence his approach to leadership, decision-making, and writing.
Rich began writing Silence Was My First Language more than 15 years ago, presenting his experiences as they were lived. He has also completed two novels, The Jaguar and Selling Arteries to the Devil, both grounded in real-world experiences. He is currently working on additional books, including The Executive and the Escort and When in Puglia.
Rich also founded The First Language Foundation, a long-term initiative through which $1 from every copy sold is directed to organizations supporting children facing abuse, hunger, and homelessness.
He maintains residences in Lexington, South Carolina, and Brickell, Florida.
How to connect Rich :
Website : https://www.richdunningbooks.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rich-dunning-9a3137360/
Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/richdunningbooks/
About Coached Soul™:
Coached Soul™ is an empowering podcast hosted by Dr. Steve Hudgins, a mental health professional and author, and co-hosted by Kenya Whaley, a transformational therapeutic coach. With a focus on self-improvement, Dr. Steve covers many topics, including mental health, relationships, educatio
