Chris Medellin, a top mortgage leader and self-described “work in progress,” opens up in this powerful conversation about quitting alcohol at 47 and how it reshaped every corner of his life—from his marriage to his mindset to his leadership style. What began as a lifestyle change turned into a full emotional, physical, and professional transformation.

Chris shares the emotional challenges of sobriety in a booze-heavy industry, the anxiety hacks that got him through it, and the deep inner work that followed. He also reflects on fatherhood, health, heartbreak in leadership, and what it means to be truly there for others.

If you're chasing clarity, leadership without ego, or proof that reinvention is possible at any age—this episode is for you.

Timestamps:

(00:00) - Intro: “Work in progress” and the decision that changed everything

(01:52) - Giving up alcohol at 47—and how it unraveled his identity

(03:01) - Learning how to feel again: Marriage, discomfort, and self-worth

(06:30) - The social pressure to drink—and how other sober leaders inspired him

(08:30) - Anxiety hacks: How he made events bearable without alcohol

(13:25) - “Not anti-drinking, just pro-accountability”

(16:18) - Sobriety as a business edge during the toughest year in mortgage

(17:25) - Leadership check: If your team only sees your content, you’re failing

(20:09) - The glamor vs. grind of being a “public leader”

(22:06) - Accessibility = retention: Why your people are your customers

(23:01) - Regret and growth as a father + stepfather

(26:56) - Why his lifestyle is his power: energy, clarity, performance

(29:21) - Health habits = stress insurance for entrepreneurs

(31:08) - How to handle heartbreak in leadership when people leave

(34:27) - Vulnerability in business: what happens when you show the struggle

(36:31) - Growing up poor, chasing success—and never feeling worthy of it

(39:50) - The worthiness trap and breaking generational limitations

(45:36) - “He was there”: The one word he wants remembered at his funeral

(46:22) - LFG Energy = your past as rocket fuel for the future

Connect with Chris Medellin:

▶️ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thechrismedellin/

▶️ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrismedellin

Welcome to the LFG Energy podcast! Your host, Arjun Dhingra, is a two-time Taekwondo world champion and the former Team USA co-head coach. He is a 23-year mortgage veteran of the industry who loves influencing change in people.

This podcast is about the stories and lessons of those who have had their backs against the wall and have ultimately overcome. Former Olympians, coaches, entrepreneurs, and incredible human beings will share their experiences of resilience and beating the odds in spite of adversity so that you too can learn to start doing the same in your life.

Connect with Arjun:

▶️ LinkedIn | Instagram | Website

Follow the show:

▶️Spotify | Apple | YouTube