Angie Manson with George Haymaker - Rewiring the Brain: Addiction Recovery and the Power of Neuroplasticity

In this transformative episode of Going Rogue, host Angie Manson sits down with George Haymaker III, a Certified Transformational Neuroconstructionist Coach, NeuroEducator, and recovery advocate, to explore the groundbreaking intersection of neuroscience and addiction recovery.

With over three decades of business leadership experience and a personal journey through addiction to pain pills and alcohol, George offers more than just theory—he lives what he teaches. Drawing from his certification in Transformational Neuroscience and lived experience, George helps others rewire their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors through a constructionist approach to mental well-being.

Angie and George explore how addiction hijacks the brain’s reward system, what it takes to heal and reprogram the mind, and why true recovery means building a meaningful, rewarding life. They dig into the science of neuroplasticity, the role of breathwork, exercise, and mindfulness, and how helping others creates lasting serotonin-fueled fulfillment—not just fleeting dopamine spikes.

Whether you're navigating your own recovery, supporting someone on the journey, or seeking to understand the brain’s potential for change, this episode is packed with insight, science, and soul.

Key Topics Covered:

• George’s personal journey from entrepreneur to recovery and neuroscience coach
• What it means to be a Transformational Neuroconstructionist Coach
• How neuroplasticity enables true healing and sustainable change
• The brain’s reward system and how addiction rewires it
• Differentiating between dopamine-driven behavior and long-term fulfillment
• The role of mindfulness, breathwork, movement, and visualization in healing
• Why relapse doesn’t erase progress—and how to re-engage after setbacks
• How gratitude, service, and self-awareness accelerate transformation
• Creating new neural pathways through repetition and meaningful practice
• How George works with individuals and organizations to support well-being and performance

🔑 Takeaways:

• The brain can and does change—when we understand how to work with it.
• Lasting recovery means more than abstinence; it requires rebuilding our identity, habits, and emotional wiring.
• Helping others activates deeper, more sustaining feel-good chemistry than any addictive behavior.
• Mindfulness, exercise, and breathwork are powerful tools for self-regulation and neuro rewiring.
• Visualization and gratitude aren't just feel-good practices—they literally rewire the brain toward well-being.
• Change is possible for everyone with motivation, commitment, and the right tools.

Feeling inspired? Share this episode with someone ready to rewrite their story. Be sure to subscribe to Going Rogue for more unfiltered, uplifting conversations on healing, self-mastery, and going against the grain.

To learn more about George Haymaker and his transformative work, visit www.georgehaymaker.com or connect with him on LinkedIn.