Listen "Ep. 38: Breaking Free: Coach Gio’s Story of Recovery, Resilience, and Reforging Her Life"
Episode Synopsis
What if the person you trusted most told you, “You’re not good enough”—and you believed them for years… only to shatter that belief and rebuild your entire life?In this powerful episode of Reforge Your Life, host Joe Rivera sits down with Coach Gio Favreau: life coach, comeback queen, and proof that the comeback is always possible.From growing up in the tough streets of Hunts Point in the South Bronx, to battling addiction, crippling self-doubt, financial disaster, and finally, to discovering purpose on the other side—Coach Gio shares her unfiltered journey of pain, resilience, and transformation.You’ll hear:The pivotal moment that forced Coach Gio to confront her addiction and the lie she’d believed her whole lifeHow losing her corporate job during the 2008 recession pushed her to become a life coach for womenHow her struggles with alcoholism nearly destroyed her marriage, finances, and sense of self—and the exact turning points that led to her lasting sobrietyThe power of community, honesty, and faith in overcoming shame and rebuilding your life from the ground upActionable advice for anyone feeling stuck, hopeless, or eager to “reforge” their own storyPlus, discover how Coach Gio uses her “addictive personality” to fuel a life of service, success, and integrity—and why she believes the greatest freedom is only found through radical honesty and connection.Don’t miss the raw, real-talk strategies and inspiration that could ignite your own transformation.Timestamped Overview: 00:00 – Joe Rivera introduces the episode and welcomes Coach Gio Favreau01:30 – Coach Gio shares her early story and her mother’s influence as a businesswoman04:05 – Transitioning from corporate life to entrepreneurship (and the fears that came with it)08:40 – Coach Gio opens up about addiction and its impact on her career and family12:06 – The financial and emotional fallout of drinking, denial, and hitting “rock bottom”15:41 – The moment her son gave her an ultimatum about drinking20:21 – How recovery and AA changed her beliefs, self-worth, and purpose32:23 – The core values uncovered in sobriety: honesty, integrity, and service37:12 – The importance of mentorship, sponsorship, and helping other women43:13 – How to find Coach Gio and details about her women’s retreat45:02 – Rapid fire: definitions of “purpose” and “reforge,” and powerful advice for anyone looking to reclaim their life48:38 – Fun fact: Coach Gio sings doo-wop and loves oldies music51:16 – The need for more connection and community—and how to bring it back52:07 – Closing thoughts on overcoming adversity and the power of sharing your storyReady to reforge your life? Hit play and get inspired!
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