Why He Couldn't Ask for Help Until His Life Fell Apart with JB Copeland

About this episode

JB Copeland discusses his struggles with addiction and the journey to self-acceptance with Carl Radke.

For years, JB Copeland believed his worth depended on how well he performed—on the football field, in his career, and even in his closest relationships. Behind the success, though, he was quietly battling addiction, shame, and a fear that if anyone saw who he really was, they would walk away. Carl sits down with the author of Sappy Medium and host of The Motion Podcast to talk about losing his Division I football career, the father wound that fueled his need for approval, the years he spent numbing himself with drugs and alcohol, and the difficult road to recovery. JB also opens up about the relapse he chose not to hide, why healing is rarely linear, and the therapist's question that forced him to confront an identity he'd spent years avoiding. Together, Carl and JB explore what it means to let go of performance, embrace vulnerability, and discover who you are underneath the expectations. It's an honest conversation about addiction, masculinity, self-worth, and why asking for help isn't a sign of weakness—it's where real healing begins. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

People in this episode

Host: Carl Radke

Guest: JB Copeland

Topics covered

• addiction
• masculinity
• self-worth
• vulnerability
• recovery

Keywords

• addiction
• recovery
• self-worth
• vulnerability
• masculinity
• help
• performance

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: Sappy Medium, The Motion Podcast

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