The Truth About Addiction, Shame & Healing | Eth Power

What happens when the life and soul of the party can no longer escape himself? In this episode of On A Mission, Eth Power joins Ellie McKay for a raw and deeply honest conversation about addiction, shame, identity, self-destruction and recovery. Growing up around violence and searching for acceptance, Eth found confidence, connection and escape through alcohol, drugs and the approval of others. What began as teenage experimentation gradually spiralled into years of addiction, chaos and self-sabotage, leaving him battling overwhelming shame, suicidal thoughts and a life that was becoming impossible to sustain. Eth opens up about smoking crack cocaine at 24, spending years trapped in destructive cycles, the guilt that followed and why he believes addiction is often rooted in far deeper emotional wounds than most people realise. But this conversation goes far beyond addiction. We discuss childhood trauma, self-worth, relationships, masculinity, inner child healing, spirituality, emotional healing and the difficult process of learning how to sit with feelings you've spent a lifetime trying to avoid. Eth also shares the relapse that changed everything, the spiritual experiences that challenged how he viewed himself, and why true healing came not from becoming someone new, but from finally accepting who he already was. Funny, powerful and deeply moving, this is Eth Power on addiction, recovery, healing, self-acceptance and finding peace after years of chaos. ⚠️ A Note to Listeners: This conversation includes discussion of addiction, mental health, self-harm and suicidal thoughts. ⏱ CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction 01:12 Growing Up Around Violence 04:39 Chasing His Father's Approval 07:21 Becoming The Class Clown 09:13 Drinking & Drugs At 11 Years Old 13:16 Joining The Army At 16 15:42 First Experience With Cocaine 20:24 Why Success Never Creates Happiness 23:00 Childhood Trauma & Emotional Wounds 27:21 Therapy Changed Everything 31:57 A 13-Year Relationship Ends 32:44 Kicked Out Of The Army 33:03 Addiction Takes Over 38:18 Smoking Crack Cocaine At 24 40:29 Suicidal Thoughts & Rock Bottom 44:05 Cocaine Is The Drug Of Shame 47:05 The Turning Point 49:34 Leaving The Relationship 53:00 Learning To Be Alone 57:31 Learning To Sit With Pain 59:09 Spiritual Awakening In Thailand 01:01:11 Finding His Purpose 01:03:17 The Relapse That Set Him Free 01:07:06 Understanding Shadow Work 01:09:08 Working With The Inner Child 01:10:21 Why Suffering Begins 01:11:11 The Forever Young Retreat 01:12:00 Building An Audience Through Authenticity 01:14:15 The Identity Crisis 01:16:39 Why Sharing Your Story Matters 01:19:12 Becoming A Tree Hugger 01:21:01 The 3 Stages Of Inner Child Healing 01:23:10 Daily Habits That Change Your Life 01:24:05 The Power Of Breathwork 01:28:31 Are We All Traumatised? 01:30:30 Stand-Up Comedy & Spirituality 01:33:06 A Poem To Addiction 01:39:19 What Is Your Mission? Follow Ellie McKay: 🔗 Website: https://onamissionpodcast.com 🔗 Instagram:   / ellie_mckay_official   🔗 On A Mission Podcast Instagram:   / onamissionpodcast2.0   Follow Eth Power: 🔗 Forever Young Retreat: https://www.weareforeveryoung.co.uk 🔗 Instagram:   / _ethpower_   🎙️ Subscribe for weekly conversations with entrepreneurs, athletes, thought leaders and experts sharing the stories, lessons and experiences that shaped their lives.