Scott H Silverman, a CNN Hero and nationally recognized crisis coach, premiered his new podumentary 'Building Heroes' on February 19, 2026, a day officially proclaimed as Scott H Silverman Day by the San Diego City Council since 2008. The release marks a strategic expansion of his addiction recovery advocacy into long-form media, blending documentary realism with conversational podcasting to offer an unfiltered look at his personal journey and the realities of addiction, rehabilitation, and second-chance advocacy.
The podumentary, described as a standalone feature and special podcasting event, draws heavily from Silverman's book "You're Not God — That Job Is Taken," which emphasizes humility, accountability, and letting go of control as foundations for lasting recovery. In the premiere, Silverman shares a pivotal moment from his past: "On November 10, 1984, I wanted to end my own life. It was the only way I was going to be able to move forward — and there was no path forward, I felt." This raw honesty is central to the program's mission to confront stigma and encourage others to seek help.
While initially conceived as a one-episode event, Silverman noted that the response and demand for such conversations suggest potential for a full series. "There are too many stories left to tell," he said. The launch on Scott H Silverman Day, which has recognized his work in workforce development, treatment navigation, and recovery advocacy since 2008, underscores the civic and personal significance of the project. Silverman emphasized the program's core message: "Three of the hardest words anyone can ever say out loud are: 'I need help.'" With 'Building Heroes,' he aims to ensure no one has to say those words alone.
The podumentary is available on the official program page at scotthsilverman.com/building-heroes. More information about Silverman's book can be found here, and additional details about his work are on his official website at scotthsilverman.com.
