Riley Whelan

Background

Riley is a recovery advocate, speaker, and content creator whose work focuses on addiction recovery, mental health, and helping people build meaningful lives beyond substance use. Through honest storytelling and conversations rooted in lived experience, she creates resources that reduce stigma, encourage connection, and remind people that lasting recovery is possible.

After struggling with alcohol and substance use throughout her late teens and early twenties, Riley entered recovery and has dedicated her life to helping others discover that healing is possible. Her experience navigating addiction, rebuilding her life, and maintaining long-term recovery shapes every aspect of her work.

She is especially passionate about reaching young adults who may not see themselves reflected in traditional recovery spaces. By openly sharing both the challenges and the joy of recovery, Riley hopes to show that sobriety is not the end of life—it can be the beginning of one that is richer, healthier, and more fulfilling than they ever imagined.

Current Work

Riley is the Social Media Manager and Guest Coordinator for Recoverycast, Recovery.com's podcast. In this role, she manages the show's social media presence, coordinates conversations with guests from across the recovery and mental health communities, and helps amplify stories that educate, inspire, and reduce stigma.

She also contributes educational content for Recovery.com, helping make trusted information about addiction, treatment, and recovery more accessible to individuals, families, and anyone seeking hope or guidance.

Outside of Recovery.com, Riley has built a community of more than 300,000 people across social media by sharing candid reflections on sobriety, mental health, and personal growth. Her videos have reached millions of viewers and have connected with people navigating early recovery, questioning their relationship with alcohol, or searching for encouragement in their own healing journey.

As a speaker, Riley has shared her recovery story with college students, community organizations, and recovery programs. She is passionate about reducing stigma, encouraging honest conversations about addiction and mental health, and helping others believe that recovery is not just possible—it can become the foundation for a purpose-filled life.

Interests

Riley lives in Charleston, South Carolina, where she enjoys spending as much time outdoors as possible. Whether she's traveling to a new destination, relaxing at the beach, practicing yoga, or learning to surf, she believes recovery has given her the freedom to embrace adventure and live life fully.

Outside of work, Riley enjoys catching live music, going to the movies, exploring Charleston's food scene, and spending time with family and friends. Oahu, Hawaii, is her favorite place in the world—a destination that reflects her love of the ocean, hiking, and finding peace in nature. Many of the experiences she once took for granted have become some of the greatest gifts of recovery.

Whether she's creating content, coordinating conversations for Recoverycast, speaking to students, or sharing pieces of her own story online, Riley's mission is to help people feel less alone. She believes recovery is about far more than abstaining from substances—it's about building a life so full that you no longer want to escape it.