
From Laguna Beach to Sobriety: Jason Wahler on Addiction, Fatherhood & Starting Over
From The Running Wine Mom by Samantha Cieslinski
April 14, 2026 · 49 min · Episode 143
About this episode
Jason Wahler discusses his journey through addiction, recovery, and fatherhood with host Samantha Cieslinski.
What happens after the cameras stop rolling? In this episode of The Running Wine Mom , Samantha sits down with Jason Wahler—known from Laguna Beach and The Hills —to talk about what life really looked like behind the scenes, and what it took to rebuild after addiction. Jason shares his journey through fame, substance abuse, and recovery, including the moment that changed everything for him. He opens up about relapse, shame, and what sobriety actually feels like from the inside—plus how becoming a father reshaped his priorities and purpose. This conversation also dives into parenting, communication, and breaking generational cycles—something every mom will take something from. If you’ve ever struggled, supported someone who has, or just want to raise kids who feel safe talking to you… this episode is for you. What We Talk About What reality TV didn’t show about Jason’s life How fame amplified addiction and identity struggles The moment he knew he needed to change What addiction actually feels like (in a way that finally makes sense) Relapse, recovery, and rebuilding trust Fatherhood after addiction The nightly habit that’s helping his kids open up Why connection what kids really…
People in this episode
Host: Samantha Cieslinski
Guest: Jason Wahler
Topics covered
- addiction
- fatherhood
- recovery
- parenting
- communication
- generational cycles
Keywords
- addiction
- sobriety
- fatherhood
- recovery
- parenting
- Laguna Beach
- The Hills
- relapse
- communication
- generational cycles
Mentioned in this episode
Books & works: Laguna Beach, The Hills
More episodes of The Running Wine Mom
- From Mom Hack to Shark Tank: How Busy Baby Founder Beth Benike Built a Million-Dollar Baby Brand · June 9, 2026 · 25 min
- Parenting Through Play: Dr. Kim Van Dusen’s Simple Strategies to Reduce Tantrums, Improve Behavior, and Strengthen Family Connection · June 2, 2026 · 52 min
- How Moms Carry the Mental Load | Annabel Monaghan on Dolly All the Time · May 26, 2026 · 27 min
- Homeopathy for Families: Marcus Fernandez on Natural Healing, Fevers, Anxiety & Parenting · May 19, 2026 · 36 min
- How Stork Exchange Is Changing Baby Gear Shopping for Parents · May 12, 2026 · 45 min
- Private Chef Experience at Home: Farm-to-Table Dining with Servis Events · May 5, 2026 · 1h 10m
Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the The Running Wine Mom podcast page.