Episode 29 | From Park Avenue to Park Bench - How Joe Rivera Reforged His Life

In this raw, hope-filled episode of Journey to Joy, Lisa sits down with Joe Rivera—former Wall Street high-flyer turned transformational coach—who went from seven-figure success to near death from opioid addiction… and rebuilt a life anchored in purpose, faith, and service. Joe shares how money became his “higher power,” the overdose that took six cans of Narcan to reverse, the bathroom-mirror moment of surrender, and the hard inner work of trading ego for integrity. You’ll learn what Joe calls life’s shifting “assignments” that forge resilience and joy.

What you’ll learn

The shift from numbing pain to feeling purpose
Why sobriety is more than putting substances down—it’s rebuilding identity
How small wins compound into confidence (and lasting success)
The difference between religion and spirituality—and why purpose bridges both
Practical ways to use your past as a launchpad, not a label

Resources & links
Joe’s book: Re-Forge Your Life: From Addiction to Assignment
Free gift: Text REFORGE to 646-495-9867 to get The Comeback Code
Joe’s podcast: Re-Forge Your Life with Joe Rivera (Apple & Spotify)

Quote to remember

“Fear builds prisons. Faith builds empires.”

If this episode moved you, follow, rate, and share it with someone who needs a reminder that a comeback is always possible.