"I stopped doing what I didn't want to do anymore. It’s not hard to stop doing something you don't want to do... I didn't want to drink anymore." - Chris Leverett

In this incredibly vulnerable and powerful episode, we step away from the usual technical discussions of self-funding and insurance captives to tackle a pervasive, often silent issue in our industry: addiction and sobriety.

My guest is Chris Leverett, Executive Vice President and Managing Director of Employee Benefits at TexCap Insurance. While Chris is a veteran in the benefits space, today he shares his personal testimony of battling high-functioning alcoholism while trying to maintain a career, a marriage, and a family.

Chris opens up about the "boiling frog" effect of social drinking in the business world, the crushing weight of keeping up appearances, and the terrifying rock-bottom moments, including a lapse in insurance coverage during his daughter's premature birth, that finally led him to seek help.

We discuss the freedom found in admitting powerlessness, how he replaced the "monster" of addiction with the discipline of Ironman triathlons, and how to navigate the alcohol-heavy social scene of insurance events without losing your edge.

If you or someone you know is struggling in silence, this episode provides a blueprint for finding hope, help, and a better life on the other side.

Thank you to our 2026 sponsors!

ParetoHealth: ParetoHealth empowers midsize employers with a long-term solution to reduce volatility and lower overall health benefits costs. Visit ParetoHealth.com to learn more.

Samaritan Fund: A program that connects those who need help to the support they need. We are proud to offer the Samaritan Fund Program. Visit SamaritanFundProgram.com to learn more.

Vālenz Health: We're Vālenz Health, your partner in improving health literacy, reducing plan spend, and delivering high-value healthcare. Visit ValenzHealth.com to learn more.

Imagine360: Imagine360 helps self-funded employers save on healthcare with smarter health plans. Cut expenses by 20-30% with custom solutions. Contact us today at Imagine360.com.

Chapters:

(00:00:00) Intro: TexCap Insurance & Going Up-Market

(00:04:48) Sobriety: It Doesn't Have to Be a "Life Sentence"

(00:09:26) The High-Functioning Trap & Social Lubricant

(00:13:24) Rock Bottom #1: No Insurance During a Crisis

(00:17:27) The Final Wake-Up Call & A Wife's Dream

(00:19:21) The Power of Admitting "I Am an Alcoholic"

(00:28:25) Trading Addiction for Ironman Triathlons

(00:38:30) How to Navigate Happy Hours Sober

(00:45:13) The Blueprint: Steps to Finding Help

Key Links for Social:

@SelfFunded on YouTube for video versions of the podcast and much more - https://www.youtube.com/@SelfFunded

Listen/watch on Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1TjmrMrkIj0qSmlwAIevKA?si=068a389925474f02

Listen on Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/self-funded-with-spencer/id1566182286

Follow Spencer on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/spencer-smith-self-funded/

Follow Spencer on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/selffundedwithspencer/

Explaining East Europe's Age of Empires

History 102 with WhatifAltHist's Rudyard Lynch and Austin Padgett

Three Foundational Conflicts

The AI-powered Podcast Player