Conversations with Mathias John

Today we’d like to introduce you to Mathias John. They and their team shared their story with us below:

Mathias John (6/21/1985) is an award-winning recording studio designer working around the world with a client list that has won over 50 Grammys collectively. He grew up around Chicago, IL, and moved to Nashville, TN in 2011 for the music industry with dreams of becoming a Grammy-winning engineer and producer. At this point in his career, he leaves the Grammy wins to his clients and focuses on what he does best – Acoustical and architectural design fused with audio engineering. 

Mathias took to philosophy when he turned 30, specifically Stoicism, and found journaling the best foundation for his day and life. He has a beautiful wife, Jessi, and a supportive family. He’s never been alone in his journey, despite how he felt and wrote. His therapist has said he is one of, if not the most high-functioning alcoholic that she has worked with. 

He provides the perfect case study of how well one can hide one’s struggles and still progress in many areas of life. Overlooking the internal struggles and obvious evidence that points to being an alcoholic, Mathias was skilled in manipulation and deception for years while drinking. These days Mathias has found much more peace in being skilled in emotional intelligence and honesty. 

It’s easy to look at Mathias’s life in two parts: with and without alcohol. While drinking, the focus was outward and how everything looked to others. The search was always for a good time, not anything mediocre. No true happiness was found in the little things. The excitement in life needed an external substance to thrive, meaning, alcohol was the only way to experience, feel and have fun. 

Without alcohol, Mathias is connected with the world differently. He zooms out constantly and sees everything through as many lenses as possible, all of which are much clearer than before. He and his wife plan vacations around hikes and being out in nature. In sobriety, Mathias has learned how to love deeper, find joy in every day or situation, and is an active triathlete. 

Being an open individual focused on exploring his past and wanting to help other high-functioning substance abusers, Mathias analyzed his journals from the hardest time in his life. It started as an exercise in continuing his sobriety and evolved into a book to share what many need in their life; shared experiences and hope. 

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It has been a road filled with ups and downs. Moving to Nashville in 2011 I didn’t know a single person or have an appt. I lived in an extended-stay hotel and hit the ground running. It took some time to build a friend base, and eventually, I met my wife in 2015 and married in 2017. 

Then the biggest struggle of my life was alcoholism. It slowly overtook me and my thoughts, actions, and life. I found my bottom in April 2021, and through my sobriety have grown into the person I didn’t know I could become. 

I’m extraordinarily lucky as my wife loved me through it and we made it out stronger than ever. I was also able to keep my professional life moving through it all and have continued to grow as a designer. 

Self-publishing a book that shares and details my journals through the struggle has been incredibly rewarding. Sharing stories is foundational in recovery and I’m hoping this book will be able to help many. 

I appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m a designer and an author. Recording studio design is my career and the book is my passion project. 

Not Yet Too Far Gone is a pretty unique book as not many people write a book alongside their former therapist. The beauty of being self-published is that we get to define our journey. You won’t find any ads for the book, it’s just me sharing my story and enjoying the journey. 

Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc.?
Meditations – Marcus Aurelius Stoic Writings. Any work of Ryan Holiday & Mark Manson. Brene Brown’s catalog. Armchair Expert Podcast. Huberman Podcast. Rich Roll Podcast. 

Contact Info:

• Website: www.notyettoofargone.com
• Instagram: @mathiasjohn__