79. Riding High, Falling Hard, Rising Strong: Emily Williams’ Story of Loss, Addiction, and Redemption

Mar 19, 2025

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In this deeply moving episode, Dwayne sits down with Emily Williams to explore her remarkable story. Once a rising star in the equestrian world, Emily's life took a devastating turn following the loss of her mother. Battling grief, addiction, and an abusive relationship, she faced homelessness and despair before making a courageous decision to reclaim her life. This candid conversation delves into the emotional depths of her struggles, the impact of shame and guilt, and the strength it takes to rebuild. Listeners will gain insight into addiction, loss, resilience, and the importance of self-awareness in overcoming personal battles. Emily's story is a powerful testament to the human spirit's ability to rise, fall, and rise again.

Timestamps:

[00:00:00] – Introduction to the episode and guest, Emily Williams

[00:01:30] –Dwayne shares how he discovered Emily’s story

[00:03:00] – The connection between business, relationships, and personal struggles

[00:06:00] – Emily’s early success: A prodigy in the equestrian world

[00:08:00] – The loss of her mother and the emotional impact

[00:10:00] – The beginning of addiction: Partying, Adderall, and grief-driven rebellion

[00:14:00] – The transition from discipline to self-destruction

[00:17:00] – Losing responsibility and how it accelerates addiction

[00:22:00] – Dropping out of school and falling into the party lifestyle

[00:25:00] – Shame, guilt, and feeling undeserving of redemption

[00:32:00] – A toxic relationship: Drug use, manipulation, and emotional control

[00:39:00] – The descent into meth use and how it rewires the brain

[00:42:00] – The breaking point: Walking away from addiction and an abusive relationship

[00:47:00] – Narcissism, control, and the power of saying ‘no’

[00:48:30] – Teaser for next week’s continuation of Emily’s journey

Notable Quotes:

"Sometimes the most challenging situations are what we learn the most from." – Emily Williams
"I felt so small… I had to lie to myself to be okay with who I was, but I wasn’t okay." – Emily Williams

Resources & Mentions:

Books: The Coddling of the American Mind – Jonathan Haidt & Greg Lukianoff
Mental Health & Addiction Support:
National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA): www.drugabuse.gov
SAMHSA’s National Helpline: www.samhsa.gov or call 1-800-662-HELP
Narcotics Anonymous (NA): www.na.org

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.