Ep 11: Sobriety & Second Chances: Scottie Bowman’s Amazing Pay it Forward Story
Addiction recovery and second chances aren’t easy, but Scottie Bowman proves they’re possible. In this episode of Call Me Friend, Daryn Kagan calls her friend Scottie to share how she went from a 12-day drug and alcohol binge on the streets of Atlanta to 24 years of sobriety. Today, Scottie is not only a successful entrepreneur and restaurant owner in Chattanooga, but also the founder of The Launchpad, a nonprofit creating sober living houses for women in recovery. Her journey shows the power of resilience, second chances, and what’s possible when recovery takes root.
Scottie opens up about her darkest moments, the turning point that led her to treatment, and the 24 years of sobriety that followed. Her journey shows how second chances can ripple outward, first saving yourself, then lifting others.
If you’re searching for real-life addiction recovery stories, insights into sobriety and second chances, or inspiration from women overcoming trauma and addiction, this conversation is packed with hope, honesty, and healing.
What You Will Learn in This Episode
✅ How Scottie Bowman survived a 12-day drug and alcohol binge that nearly killed her
✅ The role of treatment, 12-step programs, and sober living in her long-term sobriety
✅ Why she chose to stay in the restaurant and bar business while maintaining recovery
✅ How she turned personal success into The Launchpad, a community of sober living houses serving 55 women at a time
If you’re looking for inspiration, insight, and a behind-the-scenes glimpse into one of the most trusted voices in journalism, this conversation delivers.
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Key Timestamps
- 1:03 Introduction to Scottie Bowman’s addiction story
- 5:15 Early struggles and family trauma that fueled addiction
- 7:14 The New Year’s Eve binge that spiraled into 12 days of nonstop use
- 13:04 Moment of clarity: realizing she didn’t want to die
- 14:07 Treatment at Cornerstone and the start of sobriety
- 18:05 Building her first sober living house, The Launchpad
- 20:34 Growth into five houses serving women in recovery
- 24:02 Why work and accountability are key to sobriety
- 31:02 Coping with relapse and loss in the recovery community
- 36:10 The friend who changed everything: Jack Lupton and his life-changing support
- 40:50 Scottie’s message on boundaries, grace, and hope for those still struggling
- 41:40 Daryn calls sister Kallan Kagan to talk about the call with Scottie Bowman
Key Takeaways
🔹 Recovery is possible—even after decades of addiction and near-death experiences.
🔹 Community and structure matter—sober living, work, and accountability provide lasting stability.
🔹 Second chances multiply—when one person recovers, they create opportunities for others.
🔹 Boundaries are love—learning to say no is essential for both sobriety and relationships.
About Scottie Bowman
Scottie Bowman is a Chattanooga-based entrepreneur, restaurant owner, and founder of The Launchpad, a nonprofit creating sober living homes for women. With over 24 years of sobriety, Scottie’s mission is to break the stigma of addiction and help women rebuild their lives through accountability, community, and compassion.
Resources & Links
- Launch Pad: https://www.lpchatt.org/
- Just One More Foundation: JustOneMoreFoundation.org
- Daryn’s book: https://amzn.to/427Tw8e
- Ms. Lou’s Cabin: Check out this place in Shellman Bluff I found on Vrbo. https://t.vrbo.io/fNXBkq5GSWb
- Snackle box: https://amzn.to/429gnAm
