80. Unbreakable: Surviving the Fall, Rising Stronger with Emily Williams

In Part 2 of The Dwayne Kerrigan Podcast with Emily Williams, we continue the gripping story of her fall and her inspiring rise. After leaving a toxic relationship, Emily found herself homeless. Through the depths of addiction, she reached a turning point—choosing sobriety and a fresh start. This episode delves into the hard truths of addiction, the power of structured recovery, and the mental strength required to rebuild a shattered life. Just when she thought she had overcome the hardest challenges, a devastating accident left her with a broken neck—the same injury that paralyzed Christopher Reeve. Against all odds, Emily survived and, through sheer determination, found her way back to the sport she loves.

Her story is one of resilience, personal accountability, and the unwavering belief that even from the lowest points, we can rise again.

Timestamps:

[00:00:00] – Introduction and recap of Part 1

[00:02:00] – Homelessness and living in psychosis after leaving her relationship

[00:04:00] – Arrested while in a delusional state and the shocking credit card charges

[00:06:00] – Voices in her head: The terrifying psychosis fueled by addiction

[00:08:00] – The transition from a mental hospital to rehab

[00:10:00] – Sober living: The structure that saved her life

[00:13:00] – Learning responsibility, humility, and discipline in sobriety

[00:17:00] – Managing expectations, avoiding victim mentality, and taking ownership

[00:20:00] – The importance of purpose and self-belief in recovery

[00:23:00] – The accident: A near-fatal fall that broke her neck

[00:27:00] – Learning to navigate sobriety while managing severe pain

[00:30:00] – Facing judgment and proving herself again in the equestrian world

[00:35:00] – Teaching, coaching, and rediscovering her passion for horses

[00:40:00] – Handling criticism and learning not to care about what others think

[00:45:00] – Finding gratitude, purpose, and a new outlook on life

[00:47:00] – Where to find Emily and how to reach out for help

Notable Quotes:

"I had hit rock bottom so many times, I didn’t even realize how far I had fallen." – Emily Williams

"I wasn’t just struggling with addiction—I was battling my own mind." – Emily Williams

"You can’t fix a problem until you stop running from it." – Emily Williams

"No one chose to put drugs in me but me. No one kept me in a bad relationship but me. I had to take responsibility for my own choices." – Emily Williams

"I thought my life was over, but then I realized I had been given another chance to write a new story." – Emily Williams

Mental Health & Addiction Support:

• SAMHSA’s National Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP or www.samhsa.gov
• National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): www.nami.org
• Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) & Narcotics Anonymous (NA): www.aa.org | www.na.org

Follow & Connect with Emily Williams: Instagram: @therealemilywilliams

Connect with Dwayne Kerrigan

Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dwayne-kerrigan-998113281/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thedwaynekerriganpodcast/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dwaynekerriganpodcast/

Website: www.dwaynekerrigan.com

Disclaimer The views, information, or opinions expressed by guests during The Dwayne Kerrigan Podcast are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent those of Dwayne Kerrigan and his affiliates. Dwayne Kerrigan or The Dwayne Kerrigan Podcast is not responsible for and does not verify the accuracy of any of the information contained in the podcast series. The primary purpose of this podcast is to educate and inform. Listeners are advised to consult with a qualified professional or specialist before making any decisions based on the content of this podcast.