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Scott Strode shares his journey from addiction to thriving on The TODAY Show
Scott Strode, 51, started drinking at 11 and using cocaine by 15. Addiction consumed his early 20s, leaving him paranoid and fearing an overdose. Once he got sober, fitness—climbing, boxing, triathlons—became his refuge. Determined to use his experience to help others, in 2006 he founded The Phoenix, a sober active community that has helped over half a million people overcome addiction. His forthcoming memoir, Rise. Recover. Thrive., aims to inspire even more people on their journey to recovery. In his own words, here’s how he did it.
“I don’t really believe in the idea that you have to hit rock bottom to change,” Strode, 51, tells PEOPLE. “I think you need a moment of perspective where you're clear-headed enough to see a change that seems obtainable.”
On July 24th, The Phoenix celebrated a significant milestone with the 500,000th member joining its community. This achievement highlights the impact of The Phoenix’s mission, which began 18 years ago with the goal of providing a supportive space for addiction recovery. The milestone reflects the dedication of its staff, volunteers, and supporters, and marks a pivotal moment in redefining recovery. Despite this success, the organization acknowledges the ongoing challenge of addressing substance use issues, with nearly 48 million Americans still affected. The celebration is both a recognition of past achievements and a renewed call to action, urging continued involvement to drive forward a movement that offers hope and support to all in need.
Mark your calendars: Sign-ups for our annual Moab Retreat open on Friday, March 1st at 8am PST/11am EST! We love this event, and we want YOU to be a part of it.
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Volunteer Community Leader Role Description and FAQs
As a Volunteer Community Leader at the Phoenix, you'll be the heart and soul of the community, guiding and supporting volunteers, recruiting new members, and reaching out to local partners. This role is all about creating a vibrant, engaged volunteer team and ensuring events are safe and supportive. Learn more about the opportunity and check out our FAQs. This opportunity is available only in the following metro areas: Austin, TX; Boise, ID; Boulder, CO; Detroit, MI; Hartford, CT; Houston, TX; Jersey Shore, NJ; Los Angeles, CA; Milwaukee, WI; New York City, NY; Phoenix, AZ; Sacramento, CA; San Jose, CA; Seattle, WA; Washington, DC.
Sep 8, 2025
Meet Robb Wessells: Team Leader and Pickleball Pro
This National Volunteer Week, we’re talking to the people turning recovery into a movement, one event, one conversation, one community at a time. In Asbury Park, NJ, that’s Robb Wessells. A Volunteer Team Leader with The Phoenix, Robb is helping spark something new in New Jersey: a growing network of volunteers, game nights with soul, and open mics where people really show up.
Apr 23, 2025
Meet Catherine Irwin: At the Heart of Our Virtual Community
In celebration of National Volunteer Week, we’re spotlighting the passionate, generous volunteers who make The Phoenix what it is. These are the folks who show up again and again to create spaces where healing happens, through laughter, creativity, movement, and community.
Apr 21, 2025
From The Phoenix App to NewForm: A New Era of Healing
Feb 14, 2025
One Million People. One Movement. One Future Worth Building.
This week, our movement crossed an extraordinary threshold: we've now directly impacted one million people navigating recovery from substance use.
Oct 8, 2025
Meet John Sorenson: the Las Vegas Runner and Air Force Vet
John was one of the very first Phoenix volunteers in Las Vegas, and if you ask him, he’ll tell you that Vegas is more than bright lights and chaos. It’s his home: the place that raised him as a young airman, tried to swallow him whole, and now keeps him rooted in community and service. In this interview, we talked with John about what he’s learned on the trail and in the gym, the event that still makes him smile, the myths people get wrong about veterans, and why he’ll never stop chasing that feeling of being part of something bigger than himself.
Sep 30, 2025
Merry Whittington leads the pack in San Diego
Meet Merry Whittington: runner and recovery leader who helped jumpstart The Phoenix in San Diego.
Aug 14, 2025