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Rise, Recover, Thrive: How I Got Strong, Got Sober, and Built a Movement of Hope
In his “memoir with a mission,” Scott Strode shares his extraordinary journey from addiction to founding The Phoenix, a national sober active community that has empowered more than half a million people to thrive in sobriety.
Scott Strode drank his first beer at 11 years old. By 15, he was using cocaine. By his early 20s, he had spiraled into the bleakest nights of his addiction—alone in a dark alley, too drunk to light a crack pipe.
Then came a series of life-changing outdoor adventures—including competing in Ironman triathlons and climbing in the Himalayas—leading to a decade of profound personal growth. By the summer of 2006, Scott had nearly ten years of sobriety and a vision for revolutionizing addiction recovery.
What inspired his dramatic self-transformation?
It began with a mindset shift. Instead of defining himself first by his addiction, he began embracing his inherent strength and potential.
He also employed practical principles like his 5:00 a.m. instead of staying out partying until 5:00 a.m., he worked to surround himself with people who regularly got up at 5:00 a.m. to share in meaningful adventures, exercise, and get stronger.
These practices and principles formed the heart of The Phoenix’s empowerment approach to recovery and led Scott to lasting sobriety, marriage, fatherhood, and a long-term purpose.
While Scott may have started The Phoenix as “just a guy with a bike,” he has grown it into a national movement, driven by members who bond over who they want to become. In the process, they turn shame in addiction into pride in sobriety.
More than a memoir, Rise. Recover. Thrive. is a pathway to hope for millions of people—and their loved ones—who are struggling with addiction.
A portion of the proceeds from sales of this book will go to support The Phoenix.
Scott Strode drank his first beer at 11 years old. By 15, he was using cocaine. By his early 20s, he had spiraled into the bleakest nights of his addiction—alone in a dark alley, too drunk to light a crack pipe.
Then came a series of life-changing outdoor adventures—including competing in Ironman triathlons and climbing in the Himalayas—leading to a decade of profound personal growth. By the summer of 2006, Scott had nearly ten years of sobriety and a vision for revolutionizing addiction recovery.
What inspired his dramatic self-transformation?
It began with a mindset shift. Instead of defining himself first by his addiction, he began embracing his inherent strength and potential.
He also employed practical principles like his 5:00 a.m. instead of staying out partying until 5:00 a.m., he worked to surround himself with people who regularly got up at 5:00 a.m. to share in meaningful adventures, exercise, and get stronger.
These practices and principles formed the heart of The Phoenix’s empowerment approach to recovery and led Scott to lasting sobriety, marriage, fatherhood, and a long-term purpose.
While Scott may have started The Phoenix as “just a guy with a bike,” he has grown it into a national movement, driven by members who bond over who they want to become. In the process, they turn shame in addiction into pride in sobriety.
More than a memoir, Rise. Recover. Thrive. is a pathway to hope for millions of people—and their loved ones—who are struggling with addiction.
A portion of the proceeds from sales of this book will go to support The Phoenix.
336 pages, Hardcover
Published January 7, 2025
11 people are currently reading
1542 people want to read
About the author
Scott Strode
1 book5 followersScott Strode is the founder of The Phoenix, a national sober active community that has reached more than half a million people impacted by addiction, with the goal of reaching ten million people by 2030.
Born in Pennsylvania to an emotionally abusive father who suffered from untreated mental illness and a distant, workaholic mother, Scott turned to alcohol and cocaine early on as an escape from his tumultuous upbringing.
On April 8, 1997, Scott finally made the life-changing decision to get sober. His strength and resolve came in large part from adopting an active lifestyle that would carry him through his recovery. That lifestyle included boxing, cycling, mountain climbing, triathlons, and almost anything that got him outside. It was the connections he formed with others as they bonded over new experiences and shared goals that kept him sober. And this gave him a powerful idea.
Since Scott started The Phoenix in Colorado in 2006 as “just a guy with a bike,” this innovative network has expanded across America. It offers a safe, sober active community of peers who support and empower each other every day, fostering healing through all kinds of activities, including concerts, hiking, yoga, lunches, book clubs, meditation, and music jam sessions. As Scott puts it, “We believe in each other even before we believe in ourselves.” He lives in Boston with his wife and two children.
Born in Pennsylvania to an emotionally abusive father who suffered from untreated mental illness and a distant, workaholic mother, Scott turned to alcohol and cocaine early on as an escape from his tumultuous upbringing.
On April 8, 1997, Scott finally made the life-changing decision to get sober. His strength and resolve came in large part from adopting an active lifestyle that would carry him through his recovery. That lifestyle included boxing, cycling, mountain climbing, triathlons, and almost anything that got him outside. It was the connections he formed with others as they bonded over new experiences and shared goals that kept him sober. And this gave him a powerful idea.
Since Scott started The Phoenix in Colorado in 2006 as “just a guy with a bike,” this innovative network has expanded across America. It offers a safe, sober active community of peers who support and empower each other every day, fostering healing through all kinds of activities, including concerts, hiking, yoga, lunches, book clubs, meditation, and music jam sessions. As Scott puts it, “We believe in each other even before we believe in ourselves.” He lives in Boston with his wife and two children.
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January 29, 2025
Scott Strode's Rise. Recover. Thrive. is a compelling memoir that chronicles his journey from addiction to founding The Phoenix, a national sober active community. The book offers a unique and inspiring approach to addiction recovery, emphasizing the power of community, physical exercise, and a shift in mindset.
Strengths:
• Inspirational Journey: Strode's personal story is a testament to the power of hope and possibility. His journey from the depths of addiction to founding a groundbreaking recovery community is both moving and motivating.
• Community and Belonging: The book highlights the importance of community and belonging in the recovery process. The Phoenix's approach, rooted in communal activities and physical exercise, is backed by research and has proven effective.
• Practical Principles: Strode shares practical principles, such as his 5:00 a.m. rule, which can be easily adopted by readers seeking to transform their lives. These principles form the heart of The Phoenix's empowerment approach to recovery.
• Broad Appeal: While the book is primarily aimed at those struggling with addiction, its core principles—treating each person with dignity and respect, understanding potential, and inspiring hope—are valuable lessons for everyone.
Weaknesses:
• Familiar Concepts: Some of the ideas presented, such as the importance of community and physical exercise in recovery, may not be new to those familiar with addiction literature.
• Limited Scientific Depth: While the book is inspiring, it could benefit from more in-depth discussions on the science behind the recovery methods advocated by The Phoenix.
Key Takeaways:
Core Principles of The Phoenix:
• Treat each person with dignity and respect.
• Understand the potential in all of us.
• Inspire hope in each other.
Practical Strategies:
• Embrace a mindset shift: Focus on inherent strength and potential rather than defining oneself by addiction.
• Surround yourself with positive influences: Engage with people who share in meaningful adventures and exercise.
• Adopt the 5:00 a.m. rule: Wake up early to engage in activities that promote strength and well-being.
Impact and Reach:
• The Phoenix has empowered more than half a million people to thrive in sobriety.
• The community's approach has impacted countless lives, offering a proven antidote to the addiction epidemic.
• A portion of the proceeds from the book will support The Phoenix, furthering its mission.
Final Thoughts: Rise. Recover. Thrive. is more than just a memoir; it is a pathway to hope for millions struggling with addiction. Strode's journey is a powerful testament to the transformative power of community, physical exercise, and a positive mindset. While the book may not offer entirely new concepts to those familiar with addiction literature, its inspirational story and practical principles make it a valuable read.
For anyone impacted by addiction, whether personally or through a loved one, this book provides a vital ray of hope. It underscores the immeasurable power of community and belonging in the recovery process, making it a strongly recommended read.
Rating: Based on the provided information and the impact of the book, I would rate Rise. Recover. Thrive. 4 out of 5 stars . The inspirational journey and practical principles make it a valuable resource, despite the familiarity of some concepts and the limited scientific depth.
Conclusion: Scott Strode's Rise. Recover. Thrive. is a beacon of hope for those navigating the challenges of addiction. Its message of community, belonging, and personal empowerment resonates deeply, offering a profound approach to recovery that has the potential to save lives.
Strengths:
• Inspirational Journey: Strode's personal story is a testament to the power of hope and possibility. His journey from the depths of addiction to founding a groundbreaking recovery community is both moving and motivating.
• Community and Belonging: The book highlights the importance of community and belonging in the recovery process. The Phoenix's approach, rooted in communal activities and physical exercise, is backed by research and has proven effective.
• Practical Principles: Strode shares practical principles, such as his 5:00 a.m. rule, which can be easily adopted by readers seeking to transform their lives. These principles form the heart of The Phoenix's empowerment approach to recovery.
• Broad Appeal: While the book is primarily aimed at those struggling with addiction, its core principles—treating each person with dignity and respect, understanding potential, and inspiring hope—are valuable lessons for everyone.
Weaknesses:
• Familiar Concepts: Some of the ideas presented, such as the importance of community and physical exercise in recovery, may not be new to those familiar with addiction literature.
• Limited Scientific Depth: While the book is inspiring, it could benefit from more in-depth discussions on the science behind the recovery methods advocated by The Phoenix.
Key Takeaways:
Core Principles of The Phoenix:
• Treat each person with dignity and respect.
• Understand the potential in all of us.
• Inspire hope in each other.
Practical Strategies:
• Embrace a mindset shift: Focus on inherent strength and potential rather than defining oneself by addiction.
• Surround yourself with positive influences: Engage with people who share in meaningful adventures and exercise.
• Adopt the 5:00 a.m. rule: Wake up early to engage in activities that promote strength and well-being.
Impact and Reach:
• The Phoenix has empowered more than half a million people to thrive in sobriety.
• The community's approach has impacted countless lives, offering a proven antidote to the addiction epidemic.
• A portion of the proceeds from the book will support The Phoenix, furthering its mission.
Final Thoughts: Rise. Recover. Thrive. is more than just a memoir; it is a pathway to hope for millions struggling with addiction. Strode's journey is a powerful testament to the transformative power of community, physical exercise, and a positive mindset. While the book may not offer entirely new concepts to those familiar with addiction literature, its inspirational story and practical principles make it a valuable read.
For anyone impacted by addiction, whether personally or through a loved one, this book provides a vital ray of hope. It underscores the immeasurable power of community and belonging in the recovery process, making it a strongly recommended read.
Rating: Based on the provided information and the impact of the book, I would rate Rise. Recover. Thrive. 4 out of 5 stars . The inspirational journey and practical principles make it a valuable resource, despite the familiarity of some concepts and the limited scientific depth.
Conclusion: Scott Strode's Rise. Recover. Thrive. is a beacon of hope for those navigating the challenges of addiction. Its message of community, belonging, and personal empowerment resonates deeply, offering a profound approach to recovery that has the potential to save lives.
May 13, 2025
Book Review: Rise. Recover. Thrive: How I Got Strong, Got Sober, and Built a Movement of Hope by Scott Strode
Scott Strode’s Rise. Recover. Thrive. is a compelling and transformative memoir that chronicles his journey from addiction to sobriety and his subsequent creation of a national movement harnessing physical fitness as a tool for recovery. Blending raw personal narrative with practical insights, Strode crafts an inspirational yet pragmatic guide that challenges conventional approaches to addiction treatment while offering tangible hope for those struggling with substance abuse.
The book’s greatest strength lies in Strode’s unflinching honesty about his descent into addiction—from teenage alcohol abuse to methamphetamine dependence—and the pivotal moment when rock climbing became his lifeline to sobriety. His vivid descriptions of how physical exertion rewired his neurological pathways provide a fresh perspective on recovery science, positioning fitness not as mere distraction but as a physiological intervention. The narrative gains particular resonance as Strode details founding Phoenix Multisport, his nonprofit that has helped thousands access free sober-active communities through sports ranging from boxing to yoga.
Strode excels at balancing memoir with manifesto. While deeply personal, the book systematically builds a case for “sober-active” methodologies through both anecdotal evidence and broader observations about recovery culture. His critique of traditional treatment models—particularly their frequent neglect of post-rehabilitation community building—is incisive yet constructive. The inclusion of participant testimonials from Phoenix Multisport adds valuable multivocality, demonstrating how Strode’s model creates ripple effects beyond individual recovery.
Some readers may desire more rigorous analysis of the neuroscience underlying fitness-based recovery, as Strode occasionally relies on experiential evidence where clinical studies could strengthen his argument. Additionally, the organizational history of Phoenix Multisport, while inspiring, occasionally interrupts the narrative flow. These are minor critiques in what is otherwise a meticulously structured work.
Rating: 4.6/5
Section Scoring Breakdown:
-Narrative Power & Authenticity: 5/5 – Strode’s vulnerability about addiction and redemption is devastatingly effective.
-Conceptual Innovation: 4.5/5 – The fitness-as-recovery thesis is groundbreaking, though occasionally needs deeper scientific grounding.
-Practical Application: 5/5 – Transcends memoir to offer replicable strategies for individuals and recovery programs.
-Structural Execution: 4/5 – Seamless shifts between personal and organizational narratives, though some transitions feel abrupt.
-Social Impact: 4.5/5 – The Phoenix Multisport case studies powerfully validate the book’s central thesis.
Thank you to NetGalley and the author, Scott Strode, for providing an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Scott Strode’s Rise. Recover. Thrive. is a compelling and transformative memoir that chronicles his journey from addiction to sobriety and his subsequent creation of a national movement harnessing physical fitness as a tool for recovery. Blending raw personal narrative with practical insights, Strode crafts an inspirational yet pragmatic guide that challenges conventional approaches to addiction treatment while offering tangible hope for those struggling with substance abuse.
The book’s greatest strength lies in Strode’s unflinching honesty about his descent into addiction—from teenage alcohol abuse to methamphetamine dependence—and the pivotal moment when rock climbing became his lifeline to sobriety. His vivid descriptions of how physical exertion rewired his neurological pathways provide a fresh perspective on recovery science, positioning fitness not as mere distraction but as a physiological intervention. The narrative gains particular resonance as Strode details founding Phoenix Multisport, his nonprofit that has helped thousands access free sober-active communities through sports ranging from boxing to yoga.
Strode excels at balancing memoir with manifesto. While deeply personal, the book systematically builds a case for “sober-active” methodologies through both anecdotal evidence and broader observations about recovery culture. His critique of traditional treatment models—particularly their frequent neglect of post-rehabilitation community building—is incisive yet constructive. The inclusion of participant testimonials from Phoenix Multisport adds valuable multivocality, demonstrating how Strode’s model creates ripple effects beyond individual recovery.
Some readers may desire more rigorous analysis of the neuroscience underlying fitness-based recovery, as Strode occasionally relies on experiential evidence where clinical studies could strengthen his argument. Additionally, the organizational history of Phoenix Multisport, while inspiring, occasionally interrupts the narrative flow. These are minor critiques in what is otherwise a meticulously structured work.
Rating: 4.6/5
Section Scoring Breakdown:
-Narrative Power & Authenticity: 5/5 – Strode’s vulnerability about addiction and redemption is devastatingly effective.
-Conceptual Innovation: 4.5/5 – The fitness-as-recovery thesis is groundbreaking, though occasionally needs deeper scientific grounding.
-Practical Application: 5/5 – Transcends memoir to offer replicable strategies for individuals and recovery programs.
-Structural Execution: 4/5 – Seamless shifts between personal and organizational narratives, though some transitions feel abrupt.
-Social Impact: 4.5/5 – The Phoenix Multisport case studies powerfully validate the book’s central thesis.
Thank you to NetGalley and the author, Scott Strode, for providing an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
February 25, 2025
Fantastic book for anyone interested in addiction recovery. It truly explains what the Phoenix group is all about. How it was founded in with the vision of the future for it is.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews