In this episode of sober.coffee, Mike and Glenn sit down with Greg Downs, founder of ClearPath Financial Coaching, for a powerful conversation titled “A Clear Path to Sobriety.”
Greg shares his journey from being a high-profile financial advisor driven by ego to finding a new calling after a personal crisis landed him in a jail cell. It was there that Greg first heard “his story” through Alcoholics Anonymous, sparking a transformation that turned him from a student of the 12 steps into a teacher.
The trio discusses how sobriety has become their “superpower,” moving them from lives of grandiose thinking to a grounded, authentic peace. Greg now applies these recovery principles to money management, helping clients align their spending with their values by addressing the root behaviors—fear, guilt, and impulse—that drive financial instability.
Key Takeaways from Greg:
- The 12-Week Reset: Greg uses a 12-week program (one step per week) to restructure financial habits using the proven framework of AA.
- Maintaining the Grounded Life: Greg stays sober and centered through daily service, leaning into beginners, and staying in constant contact with his recovery network.
- Financial Advice: He reminds listeners that “you are not your credit score.” He advocates for building “guardrails” through accountability and learning to “pause” before making impulsive financial decisions.
Tune in to hear how Greg, Mike, and Glenn have traded their old lives for a transparent, peaceful path forward.
Greg can be followed on Instagram @gregdownscoach