From surfboards to boardrooms, he had it all — talent, drive, and the dream of going pro. But when addiction wiped out his surfing career, he found himself homeless on the streets of Colorado. What came next was a transformation no one saw coming: from panhandling for booze money to working in investment banking, earning an MBA, and building behavioral-health programs that change lives. This episode dives deep into resilience, purpose, and the wild detours that lead us exactly where we’re meant to be. The story of Ava Health's CFO David Purinton

In this solo episode of Broken-ish, Chris opens up about what it really means to lead with honesty — even when it’s uncomfortable. He shares how transparency can transform leadership, relationships, and entire organizations, especially in a behavioral health system built on facades. Chris reflects on his evolving friendship with Roman, the lessons learned through failure, and why “hitting rock bottom” isn’t the only path to change. From exploring what it means to be “broken-ish” to redefining fatherhood and love, this raw and reflective episode is a masterclass in vulnerability, purpose, and growth.

After 25 years in behavioral health, Ian found himself wondering if all he had left to offer was a bowl of candy on his desk — a small gesture in a system that had lost its soul. What followed was a reckoning with profit-driven treatment models, personal burnout, and a rediscovery of what real recovery work looks like.

In this deeply honest and thought-provoking conversation, Ian shares how being fired from a for-profit program became the catalyst for transformation — leading him to embrace trauma-informed care, motivational interviewing, and a radical truth: the expert on the client is the client.

From challenging outdated addiction models to unpacking the thin line between support and enabling, Ian’s story is a powerful look at what happens when compassion meets accountability — and when professionals learn to truly listen.

If you’ve ever questioned the ethics of “the industry,” this episode will hit home.