Q&A with author and recovery coach, Laura Martella

Laura Martella, author, recovery coach

Laura Martella is an accountability and certified recovery coach with over 20 years of active sobriety. She has a strong track record for creating sustainable change in the lives of her clients. Laura’s 90 day one on one accountability program teaches her clients how to transform their daily habits into acts of intention and self care. Her personalized plan offers practical and relatable guidance on how to simplify “ eating clean “ in today’s world of unlimited choices. Laura reminds us there is no “magic pill, shake or powder.” Her comprehensive program with defined goal setting and daily reinforcement with her clients makes her unique in driving sustainable transformation. It starts with a commitment for self care, proper nutrition and a mindset to improve one’s life. 

Laura is a true accountability partner with her clients. Laura’s film, “If You Are Still Breathing” is featured in The REEL Recovery Film Festival this November 6-12 available on Film Festival Flix. She is the author of Gentleman Norman How To Be A Man.
Laura’s journey to sobriety took 5 years in and out of rehabs and institutions until she had her moment of clarity to begin her path for her purpose in life.Laura’s uncompromising commitment to bring out the best in people with understanding, communications, passion, motivation and dedication sets her apart from others in her field.Laura resides in Los Angeles and is also a published author, public speaker for recovery, and active in philanthropy for the Alzheimer’s Association.

LauraMartella.com


Q. If you are in recovery, what was your Drug of Choice? – and when did you stop using?
A. Alcohol did it for me. I got sober at 35.

Q. Do you think addiction is an illness, disease, a choice or a wicked twist of fate?
A. I definitely believe it is a physical, mental and spiritual disease. The description in the Drs. Opinion in our Big Book explains it perfectly. An allergy of the body coupled with a mental obsession.

Q.  Do you log on to ZOOM 12-step meetings? How often? Do you share?
A. I do an average of 3 meetings a week. I go through stages where I feel I need to share. Other times I really need to listen.

Q. Have you added anything to your Tool-kit to help keep you sober during the pandemic?
A. I’ve never been as close to God as I am now. Lots of quality time with him and my dog Gentleman Norman.

Q. Where did you grow up?
A. Atlanta

Q. From what school or teacher did you learn the most?
A. Honestly, I didn’t learn a lot. This is a tough question. I was in my head even then.

Q. If you had an extra million dollars, which to charity would you donate it?
A. Alzheimer’s Association 

Q. Do you have any children?
A. No

Q. Have you started any new projects because of the quarantine?
A. Yes! Rebranding my accountability coaching site and re-shooting my short film titled “IF YOU ARE STILL BREATHING…”

Q. If you ever retire would you prefer to live by the ocean, lake, river, mountaintop or penthouse?
A. Ocean

Q. What is your favorite hotel or resort?
A. The Ritz, Paris

Q. What is your biggest or littlest pet peeve?
A. People who wear too much cologne. I believe it is only for people who get close to you not everyone on the elevator.

Q. Who has had the biggest influence on you throughout your life?
A. My Mom and my AA sponsors

Q. If you were giving a dinner party for your 3 favorite authors, living or dead, who would they be? (choose 4 if you think one might be too drunk or stoned to attend.)
A. Melody Beattie, Gabby Bernstein, Gentleman Norman and Bill Clinton.

Q. What books are you reading now?
A. “Fear Not Tomorrow, God Is Already There”

Q. What is your FAVORITE Radio show, news show, podcast?
A. My Instagram feed. I do not watch the news. I don’t want to hear it. My friends know if I need to know something to tell me. I follow amazing spiritual people. 

Q. What is your FAVORITE APP?
A. Instagram and Venmo.

Q. Are you binging on any TV series? If so which ones?
A. Yes!!! Succession, Away, The Night Manager!

Q. Which film have you watched the most?
A. Somethings Got to Give tied with Its Complicated.

Q. Who is your FAVORITE Director?
A. Nancy Meyers

Q. Who is your favorite sober celebrity?
A. Robert Downey Jr. and Tony Denison 

Q. What is your FAVORITE Band/composer/musical artist?
A. John Mayer  and J. Lo

Q. What is your FAVORITE Broadway musical/play?
A. Jersey Boys

Q. What is your FAVORITE City?
A. Paris

Q. What is your FAVORITE Museum?
A. The Getty

Q. What is your FAVORITE Restaurant?
A. Polo Lounge and Tower Bar

Q. What is the best piece of advice you’ve been given?
A. You’ll never regret being the bigger person

Q. What is the best piece of advice YOU’VE given?
A. If you pray for guidance you will be guided

Q. What is the greatest risk you have ever taken?
A. Getting Divorced and moving to LA. Oh my gosh!!!

Q. What is your biggest regret?
A. Getting Divorced! Just kidding. I wish I had learned how to speak up for myself at an earlier age. The ability to say this doesn’t serve me. No, thank you.

Q. What is the proudest moment in your life?
A. Book signing in NYC during the Holidays benefiting the NY Alzheimer’s Association.

Q. What is your favorite Weekly News Bulletin?
A. Addiction Recovery Bulletin