Tony Harte's story is not your typical recovery tale—it's a blend of grit, logic, and soulful searching. In this illuminating and refreshingly honest conversation, Amy welcomes Tony, a 35-year sober "spiritual gangster" whose path led him from a hospital bed at 21 to a deeply meaningful life rooted in Stoic philosophy. With warmth and wit, they explore what happens when traditional definitions of God no longer fit, and how philosophy—not dogma—can anchor a sober life.

If you've ever wrestled with the spiritual side of recovery or questioned whether the 12 steps are enough, Tony’s thoughtful, no-BS approach to emotional sobriety and spiritual curiosity will feel like a breath of fresh air. It’s not about having all the answers—it’s about staying curious and building a blueprint for peace.

5 Insightful Takeaways

• Stoicism isn’t emotional suppression—it’s emotional training. Tony debunks common myths and shows how ancient virtues like wisdom, courage, justice, and temperance align with modern recovery tools.
• You don’t need a traditional God to find spiritual grounding. Tony shares how he found freedom in letting go of rigid beliefs and embracing a personal spiritual path.
• Life—and sobriety—don’t require perfection, just presence. Through daily practices like the power of pause, Tony models how to respond mindfully, not react impulsively.
• AA provides the blueprint—Stoicism adds depth. For Tony, the 12 Steps are the foundation, but Stoicism adds another layer of peace, logic, and actionable insight.
• Not all who wander are lost. This episode is a masterclass in permission to seek, evolve, and explore spiritual life without judgment or pressure.

Timestamps

• [00:02:00] Tony's recovery origin story—from hospital bed to treatment at 21
• [00:10:00] Finding a spiritual path beyond religion—and the method to his seeking
• [00:16:00] Why Stoicism clicked: A logical, action-based life philosophy
• [00:23:00] The four Stoic virtues and how they apply to emotional sobriety
• [00:37:00] AA’s power—and its limits—for long-term peace
• [01:00:00] Faith, logic, and the two-vine approach to higher power

Notable Resources & Guest Links

• Tony Harte’s Blog: astoicsobriety.com

• Instagram: @a_stoic_sobriety

If this episode stirred something in your soul or sparked your own questions about faith and sobriety, we’d love for you to share it with someone on a similar path. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts, leave a review if it resonated, and follow Amy @amylizharrison on all platforms.

Hosted by Amy Liz Harrison

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