Today we’d like to introduce you to Jonathan Niziol
Hi Jonathan , so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I was born in Ontario, Canada, in April 1982 and spent my early years on a farm near Peterborough. The farm was my playground, where I learned the values of hard work, discipline, and freedom. Growing up in this serene environment, I cultivated a love for sports, excelling in hockey and lacrosse. I proudly represented Ontario in hockey competitions and played for the Major Series Lacrosse and the esteemed Brooklin Lacrosse Club.
In 2005, my dedication to lacrosse led to being drafted 31st overall by the Arizona Sting in the NLL Entry Draft. I played professionally for three years in Canada before shifting to a new chapter as an international model. Over the past 15 years, I’ve worked with global brands like Men’s Health Editorial and Hugo Boss, while also building a career as a certified personal trainer and a real estate investor in the Dallas/Fort Worth area.
Despite outward success, my life was marked by profound challenges. The sudden death of my mother just before my 21st birthday set off a 15-year battle with alcoholism, drug abuse, severe anxiety, panic disorder, and clinical depression. My struggles deepened after a traumatic sexual assault during a modeling casting. Beneath the polished facade of social media, I was in turmoil, battling eating disorders, substance abuse, and suicidal thoughts.
A near-death experience with acute pancreatitis became a turning point. After a month in the hospital, five blood transfusions, and a 60-pound weight loss, I confronted my alcohol addiction head-on. A year later, I signed with my first modeling agency and began traveling the world for work, all while grappling with unresolved trauma and addiction. My challenges included an eight-year fight with an eating disorder and functional bulimia, as well as substance abuse that escalated to dangerous extremes.
Through therapy, I gained the tools to rebuild my life. I have been sober for 17 years and drug-free for seven, and I now dedicate myself to breaking the stigma around mental health, addiction, and eating disorders. Sharing my journey has become a mission to inspire hope, advocate for recovery, and empower others to seek help. I use my platform to show that even in the face of immense struggle, transformation is possible.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Standing tall at 6’2” and 215 lbs, I’ve built a career as an international model and former professional lacrosse player. But beneath the polished exterior lies a story of resilience shaped by devastating losses and personal battles that defined my journey.
My challenges began with the sudden loss of my mother, an alcoholic who tragically passed away from asphyxiation just before my 21st birthday. That loss was compounded by the deaths of three close friends and a traumatic sexual assault during a modeling casting. These events plunged me into a decade-long struggle with alcohol, drug addiction, eating disorders, and mental health issues.
At my lowest point, my life was consumed by substance abuse. I was using 2 ounces of marijuana weekly, inhaling Nitrous Oxide, and relying heavily on muscle relaxers—up to 100 pills daily, totaling 50,000mg—along with 20,000mg of Ibuprofen and thousands of milligrams of Adderall. This destructive lifestyle led to a near-death experience with acute pancreatitis, which required a month-long hospital stay, five blood transfusions, and a dramatic 60-pound weight loss.
Despite these harrowing experiences, my story is one of hope and recovery. Hitting rock bottom forced me to rebuild my life from the ground up. Today, I proudly celebrate 17 years of sobriety from alcohol and 7 years free from all other substances. As an international model and fitness trainer, I use my platform to inspire others, advocating for mental health and breaking the stigmas surrounding addiction, masculinity, and trauma.
My resilience and determination have transformed me into a beacon of hope for men facing similar struggles. By sharing my journey, I strive to empower others to confront their challenges, seek help, and embrace recovery. My mission is to redefine societal expectations of masculinity and foster a world where vulnerability and mental health are embraced as strengths, not weaknesses
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
am an individual who has traversed diverse terrains in life, transitioning from a successful lacrosse player to an internationally recognized model over the course of a 15-year journey. Throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege of representing esteemed brands like Men’s Health Editorial, Hugo Boss, and Jockey Underwear. In tandem with my modeling endeavors, I’ve cultivated a reputation as a fitness role model and real estate investor.
What distinguishes me, however, is not just my professional accolades but the transformative journey I’ve undertaken. My life’s narrative is not one solely of triumphs but also of overcoming profound personal struggles. From battling drug addiction, alcoholism, and an eating disorder to grappling with mental health challenges exacerbated by the tragic loss of my mother and enduring a sexual assault, I’ve encountered the depths of human hardship. Yet, it is precisely these adversities that have endowed me with a profound understanding of resilience and the power of personal transformation. I’ve emerged from these trials with a newfound purpose: to destigmatize mental health issues and offer support to those navigating similar battles.
My advocacy for this cause is not just a matter of professional interest but a deeply personal commitment. I’ve lived through the isolating effects of stigma and the struggles of finding support firsthand. This journey has fueled my resolve to share my story and provide assistance to others in need, serving as a beacon of hope for those facing similar challenges.
In terms of qualifications, I draw upon over 16 years of life experience, which I consider the most potent form of education. Additionally, I hold certifications as a personal trainer for over 14 years, guiding individuals toward physical and mental well-being. Moreover, my efforts to spread awareness and support for mental health issues have resonated deeply with audiences across various platforms, particularly among men, who have expressed gratitude for my openness and vulnerability.
In essence, I am uniquely positioned to present on this topic, drawing from my personal journey, professional expertise, and unwavering commitment to empowering others on their path to recovery and mental well-being.
How do you think about luck?
I don’t believe in luck; I believe in hard work, preparation, and resilience. Life has thrown its share of challenges my way, but I’ve learned that what matters most is how you respond to those moments. The adversity I’ve faced—whether it was personal loss, addiction, or trauma—forced me to dig deep, take responsibility for my actions, and work relentlessly to change my circumstances.
To me, what people often call “luck” is really the result of consistent effort meeting opportunity. Success isn’t handed to you; it’s earned through determination, discipline, and a willingness to take risks and learn from failures. My journey has shown me that when you put in the work, opportunities naturally start aligning. It’s not about being lucky; it’s about being ready when the moment comes.
That mindset has helped me in my career, my recovery, and my personal growth. Whether I’m modeling for global brands, training clients, or advocating for mental health, I know that every achievement is a testament to perseverance—not chance. I’m where I am today because I worked for it, not because I got lucky.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.jonathanniziolofficial.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jonathanniziol/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100094469487456
- TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jonathanniziol
- Other: https://jonathanniziol.komi.io/
