Alcohol has been my worst demon over the years.

Instagram: @soberbeauofficial

Podcast: “The Beau Payne Show” on Spotify, Apple, and more

YouTube: “The Beau Payne Show”

Facebook: @Beau.Payne.942

Website: beaupayne.com

Book: “Payne to Purpose”

Beau Payne

Sober: Nov 1 / 2016. But in Nov/ 2022 I had a relapse so my new sober date is Feb 1/2023

DOC: Alcohol and methamphetamine “Alcohol has been my worst demon over the years.”

I recently met Beau through our sober community and since then, I’ve been able to learn more and more about his story.  And it would truly be remiss not to feature it here on the website.

I rarely get to do this, but I am writing on behalf of Beau. And It’s a big privilege to share it with you guys. However, to be candid, I’ve drafted a handful of versions of his story and frankly, I just don’t feel right about writing it. But I feel compelled to write something and share.

I’ve done a lot of research. I watched and listened to podcasts outlining his story as told by him. In fact, he does such an amazing job telling his story that I really want to shine the light on just that. 

Beau takes the notion of vulnerability to a level beyond my own humble words. It took a lot of courage for him to come out and share like he does. His spoken words are thought-provoking, emotional, down-to-earth, and real. It’s about as authentic as one could possibly be. I just don’t feel right about overshadowing that experience.

You see, my purpose, has always been to be a conduit sharply focused on revering stories told by folks in their own words. A safe place for folks to share their experience, strength, and hope directly with you.

Okay, so now that I have my caveats out there. I’d like to briefly introduce you to him.

Beau has been through it all. He endured needless punishment, both physical and emotional abuse starting with his father. His journey of addiction takes him through unconscionable highs and lows throughout his life. From the streets as a young addict, fighting low self-esteem along the way. To the highs of being an MLB draft pick for the Marlins–two the lows of giving up baseball as he sinks deeper in addiction.

Then on to a brief stint in service to our country—as a U.S. Army Infantry Veteran with the 101st Airborne.

Beau spent time in and out of jails and state penitentiaries. He began to find his way to recovery. In the yards of prison, he proved his knack for building people up and coaching basketball.

Beau is a man, who against all odds, was able to rise. However, humble to remain steadfast about not playing the victim in any of it. He assumes accountability for his part. It’s commendable and respectable how much humanity he embraces as he speaks from his heart. 

Today, Beau is an extremely active member of our community. He’s a podcaster, a coach, a public speaker, and a very humble, inspiring human. 

As a dedicated father, son, and brother, here are some words he wanted me to share with you guys.

“My mom, Molly Payne has always been the rock of our family. Father left us all when we were young but after I grew into adulthood, my mother and I grew apart. I was not good to her over the years of being homeless, in prisons, running amok, etc. That, for her own health reasons, she had to cut me out of her life back in 2008. I was so mad at the time but looking back it was the best thing she could’ve done for herself and for me. So, fast forward to 2021, I had a reunion with her after 13 years of not seeing her and it was the greatest ever. We’re great friends today and the past has been left where it belongs, in the past.”

“My daughter’s name is Ashley and due to my alcoholism and drug addiction, I missed significant years of her life which I will always be sad about. I also didn’t see Ashley from the years of 2012 to 2022 so that was a decade of real tough times…even after I got sober back in 2016, she wasn’t ready to see me, but the last few years have been great. She’s forgiven me. I’m always around her family, my grandchildren and having them in my life is one of the biggest blessings of my ever.”

“My sister, JR Payne (Head Coach for the Colorado Lady Buffalos basketball program in Boulder has been my best friend for a long time…she really is the only one who ever believed in me and stuck by my side through it all. She’d fly across the country to my parole hearings while I was still in prison to speak on my behalf, she always was there for me over the years and she just always was my best friend…wether I was living in a homeless shelter strung out on the streets of Seattle and other places or doing well, she never judged and she never wavered when it came to me…she and her family and my mom all live in Boulder CO and all of us are very close.” 

You see, Beau has a hungry heart to continue a path to betterment, serve, and to grow as a man. To grow as a son. To grow as a Father. And to grow as a brother. This is the kind of miracle that can absolutely happen when we get clean.

Currently, Beau is studying to get his Masters degree in Sports Management.

Beau has made it his mission to pay it forward and carry the message with his podcast. I have a ton of respect for him. This gentleman has been through the wringer his entire life. He has literally “walked through the fire and come out forged by the flames.” (I kinda appropriated that notion from one of his podcasts) Beau does have a knack for words.

As a final word from Beau, I will leave you with this quote: “Great things are often born out of dire circumstances. So don’t ever give up and become that miracle that you were meant to be.” –Beau Payne

Below are links to hear his compelling story in his own words:

A Special thank you to Deb Masner with “Alcohol Tipping Point Podcast” for permission to post this interview. Are you sober or sober curious? The Alcohol Tipping Point is a podcast for you to find tips, tools and thoughts to change your drinking and change your life. Follow her on Instagram: @alcoholtippingpoint