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From TV Fame to Rock Bottom: Leon Harris on Addiction, Recovery & Redemption
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Leon Harris on Addiction, Recovery & Redemption. In the powerful premiere of Call Me Friend, Emmy-winning anchor Leon Harris sits down with host and former CNN co-anchor Daryn Kagan for his first interview since the very public incident last November that ended his TV news career. This raw, redemptive conversation dives deep into what it means to fall hard, heal deeply, and be truly seen by a friend who doesn’t flinch.
From their days breaking national news together—including 9/11 coverage—to Leon’s spiral into alcoholism and his very public exit from the anchor desk, this episode is a powerful reminder of the strength found in friendship, the courage it takes to recover, and the power of a well-timed phone call.
Whether you're facing a tough season, supporting someone in recovery, or just need hope that reinvention is possible, this conversation is for you.
TIMESTAMPS:
- (00:00) Leon Harris describes the incident that ended his TV career
- (01:15) Daryn introduces the friendship behind the scenes at CNN
- (03:30) Leon's move to Washington and rising local fame
- (07:30) The on-air incident and aftermath
- (10:00) Struggles with alcoholism and losing self-awareness
- (13:42) Going to rehab and a pivotal ride to recovery
- (17:12) Costly commitment: paying out-of-pocket for healing
- (20:30) The medications that helped his recovery
- (23:00) When NBC said no: the moment he realized it was over
- (26:00) The difference this time: honest self-reflection
- (28:24) Making peace with his past and his father
- (32:45) A message to anyone afraid to make the call
- (33:00) What true friendship sounds like
- (37:22) Call from Joy
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- Addiction is progressive—Leon lost his sense of self even as a seasoned anchor.
- Rehab is more than detox—it was deep psychiatric and emotional healing that made the difference.
- Friendship truly makes a difference—Daryn’s call to Leon is a masterclass in showing up when it counts.
- You can start over—Leon’s story shows that purpose can rise from public failure.
RESOURCE LINKS:
- Learn about SMART Recovery: https://www.smartrecovery.org/
- More on Naltrexone: https://www.drugs.com/naltrexone.html
- Leon Harris LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leon-harris-095b0214/
- Miss Lou’s Cabin:airbnb.com/h/mslouscabin
- Call Me Friend Hotline: 912-766-0446 Call Daryn, leave a message, let her know about one of your friends who would make a great story.
- Daryn’s Book- Hope Possible: A Network News Anchor's Thoughts On Losing Her Job, Finding Love, A New Career, and My Dog, Always My Dog https://amzn.to/3GPcicB
About the Guest Leon Harris
Leon Harris is a multiple Emmy Award–winning journalist known for his decades-long career at CNN and NBC Washington. A trusted anchor, Harris covered major historical events including 9/11 alongside Daryn Kagan. After publicly battling alcoholism and stepping away from broadcasting, he is now focused on recovery, community work, and redefining his life outside the news studio.
TAGS:
Leon Harris, Daryn Kagan, Call Me Friend Podcast, Addiction Recovery, Alcoholism, Rehab Journey, TV News Anchor, Mental Health, Friendship Podcast, SMART Recovery, Naltrexone, Life After TV, Sobriety Stories, Emmy Winner, Redemption Journey
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