Walker Hayes on recovery and resilience
Heart of the Matter · 2025-09-09 · 45 min
Episode notes
Season 7 of Heart of the Matter kicks off with country pop star Walker Hayes, whose Grammy-nominated hit "Fancy Like" catapulted him to fame. Walker opens up about his journey from drinking at 13 to finding recovery at 35. He discusses his deeply personal 2024 EP "Sober Thoughts," and shares a raw, honest conversation about addiction, creativity, and how recovery transformed his life and music. Content warning: This episode contains mentions of death, as well as in-depth discussions of substance use. If you or someone you know is struggling with a mental health or substance use disorder, please contact SAMHSA’s National Helpline at (800) 662-4357. These programs provide free, confidential support 24/7. You are not alone. Explore more on topics and themes discussed in this episode: Substance Use Risk Assessment Alcohol Resource Center Treatment & Recovery Resource Center Editor’s Note : The views and opinions expressed on “Heart of the Matter” are those of the podcast participants and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Partnership to End Addiction.
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