Finding Joy in Sobriety: Dylan Starrs on Purpose, Relapse, and Building a Life That Lasts
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In this deeply personal episode of Finding New Waters, we sit down with Dylan Starrs, Program Director at Mountain House Recovery in Flagstaff, Arizona. Dylan walks us through his rollercoaster journey—from chasing rock stardom and working at Bel-Air Country Club to disappearing into addiction, crashing in motels, and ultimately finding recovery that stuck.

He shares how he stopped “auditing” recovery and finally put real sweat equity into his sobriety—through mentorship, structure, and showing up every day for his community. Dylan also reflects on music, golf, grief, purpose, and what it really means to stay connected to your own recovery while leading others through theirs.

- [00:00] Welcome & Dylan’s Backstory – From musician to mentor

- [04:00] Relapse, Recovery & Reinvention – Losing everything, then finding hope at St. Christopher’s Inn

- [10:00] Discovering Community at Jaywalker Lodge – Starting a podcast, giving back, and finally surrendering

- [15:00] What is Mountain House? – A structured aftercare program for young men in Arizona

- [20:00] Sobriety Isn’t a Gift—It’s Earned – Dylan on emotional graduate school and putting in the work

- [25:00] From Rockstar Dreams to Real Purpose – Music, mentoring, and helping men heal

- [30:00] Recovery as a Lifestyle – Having fun sober, staying right-sized, and showing up for life

- [36:00] Final Thoughts – Family recovery, teaching through experience, and building legacy

- The Myth of the Quick Fix – Recovery doesn’t come from receiving—it comes from building

- Emotional Grad School – Why true sobriety takes time, work, and reflection

- Relapse & Redemption – How Dylan found grace, humility, and mentorship in unexpected places

- Structure, Joy & Community – Building a life you don’t want to escape from

- Staying in Recovery While Working in Recovery – Boundaries, self-care, and staying teachable

Dylan Starrs

Program Director, Mountain House Recovery

Dylan Starrs is a musician, recovery coach, and the Program Director at Mountain House Recovery, an aftercare facility for young men in Flagstaff, Arizona. After years of chasing fame, relapsing, and restarting his life, Dylan found long-term sobriety through structure, service, and connection. Today, he helps young men navigate life after treatment while still pursuing joy through music, golf, and community.

🌐 Website: https://www.mountainhouserecovery.com)

📱 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mtnhouserecovery)

- Mountain House Recovery: https://www.mountainhouserecovery.com)

- Jaywalker Lodge: https://www.jaywalkerlodge.com)

- 12-Step Meeting Finder: https://www.aa.org)

- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/newwatersrecovery)

- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/newwatersrecovery)

- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/new-waters-recovery)

- TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@newwatersrecovery_nc)

- Podcast Website: https://www.findingnewwaters.com)

- Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4NOV2g85KExFWU5mTz5Gjw)

- Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/finding-new-waters/id1684075608)

- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjfAIXtiOgy1XFcwAduXgXw)

- YouTube Music: https://music.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLuJOc6yLcjibGGAKgLYPCN47etJCY89mn)

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