Ep. 103 - What It Means to Live Sober Out Loud with Trey Laird

In this episode of the Finding Purpose Podcast, Adam sits down with Trey Laird, CEO and founder of The Lighthouse Sober Living and Lighthouse Recovery Coaching 365, for a powerful conversation on transformation, recovery, and what it truly means to live a purpose-driven life.

Trey's journey is one of reinvention.

After spending over two decades on Wall Street as an equities trader, building a life that looked successful from the outside, Trey found himself battling addiction behind the scenes. What began with opiate pain medication eventually evolved into a daily cycle of substance use that impacted his family, relationships, and sense of self.

In 2008, Trey made the decision to seek treatment—marking the beginning of a recovery journey that would ultimately reshape his entire life.

What followed wasn't just sobriety—it was transformation.

Through community, honesty, and a commitment to growth, Trey not only rebuilt his life but discovered a deeper calling: helping others do the same. In 2016, he founded The Lighthouse, creating a space for men—and later women—to recover while still engaging in real life, work, family, and responsibility.

This conversation dives deep into the realities of addiction, the power of community, the evolution from consequence-driven to purpose-driven recovery, and how service becomes the foundation for lasting fulfillment.

What We Discuss

• Trey's early life, family dynamics, and the role of community and friendships
• His 22-year career on Wall Street and the culture surrounding it
• The progression of addiction and how it quietly took hold
• Entering treatment in 2008 and the early days of recovery
• The power of honesty and transparency in the workplace
• How sharing his story created deeper connection and accountability
• The importance of community in sustaining recovery
• Why recovery is not one-size-fits-all and looks different for everyone
• The difference between consequence-driven and purpose-driven sobriety
• Building a life centered around service and helping others
• The role of fun and fulfillment in early recovery
• Developing a "board of directors" and surrounding yourself with the right people
• Navigating resentment, forgiveness, and self-awareness
• Spirituality vs. religion and the role of faith in recovery
• Emotional regulation and letting go of the need to control outcomes
• The power of vulnerability and living authentically
• How purpose often finds you—not the other way around

About Trey Laird

Trey Laird is the CEO and founder of The Lighthouse Sober Living and Lighthouse Recovery Coaching 365, organizations dedicated to helping individuals build sustainable, purpose-driven lives in recovery.

Before entering the recovery space, Trey spent 22 years on Wall Street as an equities trader, working at firms including Bankers Trust and Lazard.

Today, he lives in New Canaan, Connecticut with his wife and five children. He serves as a deacon at the New Canaan Congregational Church, is an avid marathoner and golfer, and sits on the advisory board of Recovery.com.

Trey travels nationally speaking on addiction, treatment, and recovery—advocating for what he calls "living recovery out loud."

Connect with Trey

Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/tlaird93/

The Lighthouse Recovery
https://www.instagram.com/thelighthousect/

Production Partner

This episode was produced by Claudio and the team at Cayivisions.

If you're looking to launch a podcast, create high-impact content, or elevate your brand through storytelling:

https://www.cayivisions.com/

Connect with Adam

Website
https://www.adamvohra.com

Instagram (Adam)
https://www.instagram.com/adamvohra_/

Instagram (Finding Purpose Podcast)
https://www.instagram.com/findingpurposepod/

Adam works privately as a Recovery and Purpose Development Coach, helping individuals break old patterns, build resilience, and realign their lives with their true identity and purpose.