Press & Media Coverage | Aaron Barnes - Sober Coaching

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Aaron Barnes in the News

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A Voice the Media Trusts on Addiction & Recovery

Aaron Barnes has been featured in national and regional media as an expert on addiction recovery, sober coaching, and the opioid crisis. His personal story -- 20 years of addiction, a March 2015 turning point, and a complete transformation -- has resonated with audiences across the country and led to advocacy work with Nebraska state legislators, school outreach programs, and national recovery networks.

Life 100.7 -- Omaha Christian RadioOctober 17, 2026 -- Nick, Life Right Here series host

Life Right Here: Sober Living in Omaha: Recovery, Boundaries & Hope | Part 1

Aaron Barnes was featured on Life 100.7 (LIFE Omaha, Northwestern Media) -- a nonprofit Christian radio station serving the greater Omaha area -- as part of their 'Life Right Here' community series hosted by Nick. Part 1 covers Aaron's personal recovery story, sober living in Omaha, healthy boundaries, and hope for families navigating addiction. Aaron discussed his work as a sober coach and his ownership of a sober living home in Omaha. Part 2 is forthcoming. Life 100.7 is a nonprofit station and could not mention Sober Coaching by name, but Aaron was identified as a sober coach and sober living owner.

Aaron Barnes shares his recovery story and practical help for families navigating addiction, healthy boundaries and finding recovery support in Omaha.

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Nebraska Public Media (PBS / NPR) -- RCVRY HouseSeptember 18, 2026 -- Theodore Ball, On Air Host / Multimedia Reporter / Producer

Men's Sober Living Home in Omaha Aims to Fill a Gap in Outpatient Care

Nebraska Public Media -- the same PBS outlet that covered Aaron in 2017 -- returned nine years later to cover his launch of RCVRY House, a men's-only sober living home in Omaha. The article includes validation from Raelyn Barton, psychiatry ambulatory supervisor at Nebraska Medicine, and details the structured program: outpatient treatment, group workouts five days a week, evening recovery meetings, weekly volunteer projects, and one-on-one recovery coaching from Aaron.

Aaron: 'When you leave outpatient care, you either have to go back to your house, your parents house, an apartment... And the living environment can have a huge impact on your ability to thrive in the outpatient.' Nebraska Medicine's Raelyn Barton: 'Unstable housing can be a significant barrier to completing outpatient treatment.'

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KETV -- ABC Omaha -- RCVRY HouseSeptember 15, 2026 -- McKenzy Parsons, Digital Editor

Omaha Sober-Living Home Helps Men Transition from Treatment to Independence

KETV -- the same ABC affiliate that profiled Aaron in 2017 -- covered the launch of RCVRY House nine years later. The article describes the open house event and Aaron's vision: structure, accountability, and a safe living environment that complements outpatient treatment without replacing clinical care. KETV covering Aaron in both 2017 and 2026 demonstrates nearly a decade of continued media presence.

Aaron: 'We are just hoping to find that safe, comfortable, beautiful space to live in. For them to do that and really find their community and family.'

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BACtrack -- Alcohol Monitoring for Addiction Recovery2026 -- BACtrack -- the leading consumer breathalyzer brand in the United States

From a Sober Coach: Aaron Barnes Featured on BACtrack Website

Aaron Barnes is featured by name, photo, title, and quote on the official BACtrack website -- the leading consumer breathalyzer brand in the US. He is listed under the heading 'From a Sober Coach' as: Aaron Barnes, Founder, Sober Coaching and RCVRY HOUSE, Nationally Certified Recovery Coach, Omaha, NE, sobercoaching.com. BACtrack has recorded 5M+ BAC tests, is trusted by hundreds of programs nationwide, and has been independently validated by the Justice Speakers Institute. Aaron is the only sober coach featured on the page.

It is the monitoring platform I trust for my private coaching clients and the one we have chosen for participants at RCVRY HOUSE. I have watched a long-term client use BACtrack View for years, and it has given both his family and me a dependable way to verify sobriety while helping rebuild trust over time. Even when he attempted to get around the testing process, BACtrack View video identity verification and monitoring safeguards gave us confidence that the results could be trusted. As a sober coach, having objective, real-time data removes much of the uncertainty and allows conversations to focus on recovery rather than debating whether alcohol was used. I have worked with other alcohol-monitoring options, but BACtrack View stands apart for its reliability, ease of use, and accountability.

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Psychology TodayApril 10, 2020 -- Ilisa Kaufman, Psy.D. -- Miami-based psychologist, The Beginning of the End blog

Can Corona Make You Relapse?

Aaron Barnes is cited by name twice in a Psychology Today article by licensed psychologist Ilisa Kaufman, Psy.D. He is identified as 'Aaron Barnes, owner of Sober Coaching' and quoted as an expert source on relapse prevention during COVID-19. The article covers how coronavirus isolation threatens sobriety and cites Aaron on avoiding old non-sober friends and personal accountability in recovery. Aaron is also mentioned as hosting daily sober support group Zoom meetings during the pandemic.

"There is no reason to because nothing would be gained from that." And: "In the end, only they can make them relapse."

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Men's HealthApril 15, 2020 -- Gina Loveless

This Guy Spent 20 Years Battling Addiction. Now Fitness Is Helping Him Stay Sober.

Aaron's personal transformation story from 20 years of opioid addiction to nationally recognized sober coach, featured in one of the world's largest men's health publications.

Aaron: 'Two years into my sobriety, with the support of my rehab counselor, I have become a sober coach and companion.'

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Nebraska Public Media (PBS / NPR)December 22, 2017 -- Brandon McDermott, NET News

Combating Opioids in Nebraska

Interviewed as a recovery expert on Nebraska's opioid crisis. Aaron met with state legislators Senator Brett Lindstrom and Senator Sara Howard to discuss solutions and shared his vision for a holistic recovery campus.

Sen. Brett Lindstrom: 'He is one of the most passionate people that I have probably ever met.'

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Recovery Today Magazine2018

Aaron Barnes -- Sober Coach In-Depth Interview

Featured in Recovery Today Magazine in a 48-minute in-depth interview covering Aaron's personal recovery story, his sober coaching philosophy, and his approach to helping clients build lasting sobriety. Full interview on the Sober Coaching YouTube channel.

Terry (Family Member): 'Aaron Barnes is smart, kind, funny, and grounded in compassion, with a solid network of resources.'

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Let The Journey Begin Podcast -- Red Songbird FoundationJuly 9 & 16, 2021 -- Hilary and Jason, Red Songbird Foundation

Episodes #067 & #068 -- Aaron Barnes, Sober Coaching Founder (Two-Part Interview)

Aaron Barnes was featured in a special two-part interview produced by the Red Songbird Foundation (redsongbird.org), a nonprofit dedicated to addiction recovery. Episode #067 (26 min, 371 views) covers his path from a religious upbringing through 20 years of addiction, fraternity life, drug trafficking, three children with three women, and his 2015 turning point. Episode #068 (25 min, 449 views) covers his belief that he was 'cured' of the desire for drugs, dealing with heartbreak in sobriety, and his spiritual awakening. Combined: 820+ views.

Episode #067 description: 'Aaron is a nationally certified recovery coach, sober companion, interventionist, personal trainer, author, and prominent sober influencer.' Episode #068: Aaron discusses turning back to God after 27 years and why spirituality became the missing pillar of his recovery.

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KETV -- ABC Omaha (The Chronicle)October 25, 2017 -- Camila Orti

State of Addiction: Recovering Addict Becomes Sober Coach & Trainer -- 'I'm living proof that recovery can happen'

Featured in KETV's in-depth 'The Chronicle' series on addiction in Nebraska. Aaron, 41, was profiled on his journey from oxycodone dependence to founding sobercoaching.com as a certified recovery coach and personal trainer. He trains six days a week at Todd Smith Fitness and credits fitness as a cornerstone of his recovery. Aaron also volunteered for a KETV phone bank on prescription drug disposal.

Aaron: 'Please, just have the courage to ask for help. There is life after addiction. I had an amazing support system -- but unfortunately a lot of people that come out of rehab do not have that support system waiting for them. That is why I started sobercoaching.com.'

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WOWT -- NBC OmahaNovember 27, 2017 -- Josh Spreiter

Omaha Man Pushing for Solutions on the Opioid Crisis in Nebraska

Profiled as a community advocate visiting Nebraska lawmakers in Lincoln to push for opioid crisis solutions. Includes Aaron's philosophy that fitness, nutrition, and volunteer work connect the mind, body, and spirit in recovery.

Aaron: 'The traditional treatment of addiction in my opinion is not working. I do believe it is time for some outside the box thinking.'

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WOWT -- NBC Omaha2017

Prescription Drug Take-Back Day

Aaron Barnes participated in WOWT's coverage of Prescription Drug Take-Back Day, advocating for safe disposal of unused medications as part of the broader effort to combat the opioid crisis in Nebraska. Full segment on the Sober Coaching YouTube channel.

Aaron: 'Everybody has the opportunity to find their way out of addiction, but it starts with asking for help.'

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FOX 42December 22, 2019 -- Jenna Liston

Sobriety Coach Explains the Dangers the Holidays Pose for Addicts

Expert commentary on holiday relapse risk. Aaron provided practical guidance: have an exit plan, have a schedule, and find a friend to keep you accountable. He also discussed how fitness replaced addiction as a daily anchor for sobriety.

Aaron: 'Holidays are meant to be enjoyed. They are times for celebration and that does not have to include alcohol.'

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El Nuevo Dia -- Puerto RicoJanuary 28, 2020 -- Josefina Barcelo Jimenez

Estudiantes aprenden sobre la sobriedad (Students Learn About Sobriety)

Aaron Barnes was covered by El Nuevo Dia -- the largest and most widely read newspaper in Puerto Rico -- following his visit to Commonwealth-Parkville School in San Juan. The article reported on his 'Healthy Lifestyles: Learn Them and Live Them' presentation to students, parents, and faculty. El Nuevo Dia is Puerto Rico's newspaper of record, equivalent in reach and authority to a major U.S. metropolitan daily.

Photo caption: 'Aaron Barnes emphasized that the option is to say No and choose sobriety as a lifestyle.'

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CPS Commonwealth-Parkville School -- San Juan, Puerto Rico2018

"Sober Is The New Cool" -- Healthy Lifestyle: Learn It & Live It Conference

Aaron Barnes traveled to Puerto Rico to speak at CPS Commonwealth-Parkville School (grades 7-12) under the motto 'Sober Is The New Cool.' He addressed students and teachers on healthy lifestyle choices, peer pressure, and positive mindset -- then spoke separately to parents through the Parent Association's parent academy series. The school credited Aaron's presentation as part of their major Student Health and Wellness initiative.

CPS: 'Aaron addressed parents separately... He shared his story of drug and alcohol dependence as well as his 20-year struggle to overcome his addictions. Many students were so enthusiastic about the topic that there is talk of starting a Sober Club at the Commonwealth Campus.'

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University of Nebraska Medical Center -- Project ECHO (SAMHSA-Funded)December 17, 2020 -- UNMC Department of Psychiatry

Substance Use Disorders and the Family

Aaron Barnes was listed as a named Presenter on the official UNMC flyer for the Pain & Substance Use Disorder ECHO series, session titled 'Substance Use Disorders and the Family' (December 17, 2020, 12-1pm CST). He presented alongside Dr. Tina Charek, Clinical Mental Health Counselor and Addiction Counselor, Assistant Professor at the University of Nebraska Kearney. Aaron was the only non-physician, non-licensed-clinician presenter -- listed by name and credential as 'Addiction Recovery Coach and Personal Trainer, Omaha.' The session earned 1 AMA PRA Category 1 CME credit. Target audience: physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, pharmacists, licensed mental health therapists, and licensed alcohol and drug counselors. Funded by SAMHSA grant #1H79TI080263-01 and Nebraska DHHS.

UNMC flyer bio: 'Aaron has experience helping many people struggling with addiction, mental health, and physical health challenges to develop and implement an intentional healthy lifestyle that will serve them greater well-being.'

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Watch Aaron on YouTube

The Sober Coaching YouTube channel features interviews, news segments, and recovery content -- including the full Recovery Today Magazine interview and KETV Chronicle segment.

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Media Inquiries

Book Aaron Barnes for Your Story

Aaron is available for interviews, expert commentary, and speaking engagements on addiction recovery, sober coaching, the opioid crisis, and executive recovery. He brings 30+ years of lived experience and a nationally recognized practice to every conversation.

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