From Hiding to Leading: how sobriety unlocked Josh Woll’s creative courage
What does it take to transform from someone who says "I'll never be a leader" to confidently directing 15-person film crews?
For award-winning filmmaker Josh, the answer wasn't found in traditional leadership training or creative techniques. It was discovered in the quiet moments of 4am meditation and the courageous decision to step into sobriety.
In this conversation, Josh shares his journey from using alcohol as an escape mechanism to founding The Sober Creative, where he now mentors other creatives. His story reveals how stepping away from avoidance patterns doesn't just change our relationship with substances: it fundamentally transforms our capacity for authentic self-expression and creative leadership.
What struck me most about Josh's journey is how he reframed fear from something to avoid into what we might think of as a ‘compass’ pointing toward growth. This shift in perspective—combined with his commitment to daily practices and self-development—has created space for creativity to flow in ways he never imagined possible.
Show Notes
[00:00] - Welcome & series introduction
Rachel introduces the Stories of Creative Courage series
Focus on exploring what creativity means and what gets in the way
Josh's background as award-winning filmmaker turned creative mentor
[02:30] - What creativity means to Josh
Curiosity as the foundation of all creative work
Journey from wanting to edit feature films to becoming an actual filmmaker
20 years of experience in documentaries, corporate videos, live events and music videos
The feeling when creativity ‘hits’ and flows naturally
[05:30] - The creative flow state & morning practice
Josh's 4am morning routine and meditation practice
How ideas emerge in stillness rather than forcing them
Physical sensations of creative inspiration: the ‘catching your breath’ feeling, warmth in the chest
The importance of not being attached to outcomes
[15:20] - What gets in the way of creativity
Josh's earlier sense of his limitations: ‘I'll never be a teacher or leader’
Depression, anxiety, and relationship with alcohol as escape mechanisms
How avoidance patterns restricted time and energy for creative work
The gradual shift through coaching, meditation and habit changes
[18:00] - The COVID leadership breakthrough
Managing complex university presentations during pandemic
Growing from 1 camera to 12-15 person crews across multiple states
Leadership as creating space for others to do their best work
CEO recognition: ‘You're really good at this’
[23:00] - Reframing fear as a compass
Moving from avoiding fear to seeing it as opportunity
Fear and excitement as similar sensations
Practical approach: coming back to the body and trusting yourself
Distinguishing survival fears from growth-edge fears
[29:00] - The Sober Creative business journey
Five years of sobriety and stepping into authenticity
This Naked Mind by Annie Grace—the book that was Josh’s catalyst for change
Seven years of daily meditation practice
How coaches recognised his power when speaking about sobriety
[40:00] - Essence and presence in creativity
Essence as universal energy always surrounding us
Getting out of the head and into the body as portal to essence
The camera becoming part of the creative space
Co-creation with something larger than ourselves
Key Quotes
"I think fear for me was, you know, for so long, like just kind of avoiding fear... I definitely try and take fear as an opportunity to learn, an opportunity to move towards it, to see what's on the other side of it." - Josh
"We're born from creation. We're made from it. I think it's the natural evolution of things beginning to an end. Creation is involved with that." - Josh
"I want to give you the opportunity to do the best that you can. I want you to be in the best frame of mind... what do you need? And it's that teamwork." - Josh on leadership
"The more that we work on ourselves, the better that it is for everybody. It's better for our family, our kids, our partners." - Josh
"Essence is presence. Essence is always there. Essence is kind of this universal energy that is surrounding us all the time." - Josh
Resources
This Naked Mind by Annie Grace. The book that transformed Josh's relationship with alcohol
Annie Grace's work. A science-based approach to changing relationship with alcohol
Daily meditation practice. The foundation of Josh's creative and personal development
Coaching and self-development work. Ongoing investment in personal growth
Where to find Josh
Substack: The Sober Creative (essays, guided meditations, and creative mentorship)
Clear Conversations: Josh’s Substack Live series
Video Production Work: Josh’s website (portfolio of film and photography work)
Thank You!
Thank you to everyone who joined us live and to our community members who continue to support these vulnerable, important conversations about creativity and courage.
P.S.
What's next for your creativity?
If there's something you're longing to create (a writing project, an artistic creation or even a new venture) I'm here to support you to develop your courage and expand the power of your self-expression.
Here's how I can help:
Make an appointment for a virtual coffee (free). I hold 3-4 slots every month for a 20 minute chat so we can get to know each other.
Book a 30-minute connection call (free). This is for anyone—whether you have an idea you want to brainstorm, an issue that's holding you back, or just want to know about me and/or my work.
Read my manifesto for creative courage (free). Learn about the core principles of my creativity and follow the story of how I came to found Wordplay Coaching.
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