Sobertown Podcast

Host: Drifter Guest: Dave Davis Bio: Database Programmer/Data Scientist by day. Husband, Father, Musician, Photographer, Artist, Internet DJ, Astrologer, Designer and Writer by night. Born and raised in Iowa, moved to Illinois in the 80s to go to DeVry. That’s when the drinking started.  You go to college; you hang out with certain people and you get drunk and stoned.  Plain and simple.  We had 4 roommates when we stayed in DeVry Housing back then.  We had one drug dealer move in when one would move out.  If it wasn’t free, it was cheap.  Most of them were old enough to get us booze as well.  I’ve been in various heavy metal bands since high school in the late 70s, all the way up till 2014.  Bass, Keyboards, Singing and Guitar.  Many drunken blacked out nights back then.  In the early 90s I quit drinking as much, but when I got divorced from my first marriage, I was alone and I didn’t like being alone with myself, so I turned to wine.  2 to 3 bottles a day.  I was an independent IT consultant at the time and always stressed out.  So, you can imagine how sloshed I get and blackout.  I quit cold turkey in 1995 when I joined a Blues Brothers act right after my father died from pancreatic cancer.  I did that for 5 years and had heart palpitations the last night I was dancing.  I was Jake.  I smoked like Jake.  2 packs of Marlboro Reds a day, then 2 packs of American Spirits.  I jumped back into a band in 2002 with a friend from work.  The drinking and the smoking came back at that time.  In 2005, I met my wife.  I stopped drinking.  I wanted to set an example for her boys.  They were 10 and 13 and soon to become my stepsons.  Although I always refer to them as my sons, because their dad was not present in their lives as much.  We married in 2006 and moved into a rental house in 2008.  Right before we moved into that house, we both quit smoking and haven’t had a cigarette since June 28th, 2008.  At that time, I introduced my wife to wine, and as we now say, the rest is history.  We crept up in volume and quantity over the years.  I got to the point where before the pandemic I was drinking 2 to 2 ½ bottles of wine a night.  When the pandemic hit, everything was uncertain, my drinking got even worse.  I could polish off an entire Black Box of Pinot Noir in one night.  That’s 4 bottles of wine.  Blackouts returned.  Falling out of bed and hitting my head on the nightstand or falling out of my chair at my desk while I was doing radio shows, was a common occurrence. I joined IAS in 2022 to get sober.  I hit that reset button like a snooze alarm almost daily if not weekly.  I was proud of myself that I hit 20 days and then relapsed that night.  Finally, my health was taking the worst hit in March of 2023 and I set my quit day on the first day of Spring 3/20/2023.  This time I leaned into the community on IAS, where I found out about Sobertown Podcast.  I started to dig around the website and found Rewired.  I had already done a 30-day stint (that was part of the 20 days) with This Naked Mind back in 2022.  Rewired; that was different.  This was my jam and I felt at home.  Sobertown had a Zoom meeting that was based on Erica Spiegelman’s book, so I jumped on one, one day and felt right at home. I’m over 200+ days now.  I feel better than I’ve felt in years and I’m going after goals that I threw away years ago.  I’m dropping weight (down from 354 pounds to 315 pound in six months), I’m more focused and I feel more present every day.  I leaned into Zoom, IAS, Discord and Telegram communities and it feels awesome to be able to help when I can.  Sobertown Podcast has been an excellent source for tools that helped me with working my own personal program, one day at a time.  I’m not an AA person, but I do not judge people who are following that path.  This site has opened my eyes to other possibilities, and I am so grateful they are here.    Testimonial: Sobertown Podcast is one of the BEST resources for finding your own path or building your own adventure in sobriety.  They provided the tools and support I was looking for in the beginning of my journey and they continue to do so as I walk my path.  Forever grateful for these guys being here.  They add resources all the time, so make sure you dig around the site and listen to the stories on the podcast to hear how other people have found their own road in sobriety.  My Website: https://www.davidbrucedavis.com/ My YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/@davidbdavis 1996 John Belushi Stamp Protest (me as Jake)  not a huge piece of my performance, but a tiny bit https://youtu.be/9K6Wo47kols?si=_pgBBvgKHM267pJn   Me singing Crystal Ball: https://youtu.be/mnOU7RSBUWI?si=7iarDheQXBZkI-r4 Me singing Somebody to Love: https://youtu.be/fR4IyFgc-S0?si=mx2_rtVqlAo-gfMe Me singing a song a good friend of mine wrote (John Visconti) and a project we did called The Abbey Normals.  I did the video work, but the vocals and bass were all me.  Oh and the drum loops.  LOL  https://youtu.be/o0Q2OKnIqFg?si=xVKIyXQrKz1SGaKg Part of my fractal animations that I did for my ambient meditation/relaxation album called Thought Vibration  https://youtu.be/tSNz6LBpDQ8 Me playing bass in Syrens (for 14 years) https://youtu.be/gShWMa15buQ   Other Sober Resources: I Am Sober App Getting Sober ...Again Boom Rethink The Drink Recovery Movie Meet-Ups No Sippy No Slippy. Not Another Drop No matter What.   Remember to Pour The Poison Down The Sink!!      Sobertownpodcast.com    

Samantha Brantley, a recovery advocate and certified peer recovery specialist from Union County, shares her inspiring journey of overcoming addiction. After years of struggle, including time in jail and personal tragedies, she found her path to sobriety and has been clean for over five years. Samantha discusses starting local recovery meetings and launching a misdemeanor recovery court to help others. Her story highlights the importance of community support, breaking stigma, and turning pain into purpose for lasting change.

Host: Drifter Guest: Piere Ingram How do you overcome a rough life after being dealt a bad hand? Piere Ingram spent years trying to figure this out. He was trapped, with no clear escape. Abused as a child, Piere rebelled during his teenage years. He was labeled a troubled teen and turned to the only way out he could find: a life filled with addictions. It is said taking the easy way can become the path to self-destruction. Piere learned this the hard way. The downward spiral threatened to destroy him. Piere plunged headfirst down the rabbit hole and would have been consumed if not for one simple thing that intervened and, appropriately, save his life. Piere discovered God and the power of faith. From Addiction to Attraction: A Road To Recovery is his testament. Emotionally charged and often difficult to swallow, Piere lays his life bare for all to witness. Far more than a somber tale, Piere’s story also provides the tools necessary for those grappling with addictions to break free and reclaim their lives. Ultimately you are the only one responsible for who you are and what you can become. By breaking the shackles of addiction you are not only freeing yourself to a better world, you are beginning the healing process and restoring balance. From Addiction to Attraction is powerful and driven. It is a journey too many of us have taken and many more have yet to begin. Perhaps these words, this brutal honesty, will help some see the light and begin the long road to recovery and a new dawn. From Addiction to Attraction is the true story of how Piere Ingram overcame a hard start to his life and, through the discovery of faith, turned everything around to become a successful, faithful man. An emotional rollercoaster, this memoir is an inspiration for all who are undergoing similar circumstances. Piere was born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio. His first exposure to poetry was through Dr. Suess books when he was very young. Piere loved the rhythm, rhymes, and wordplay of poetry. Reading and writing poetry became a way for Piere to escape from his problems and release his emotions.   I'd love to say that when I was addicted to drugs, alcohol, negative environments, and people that it changed overnight. You know, that an inspirational person came into my life and I was changed forever. But to be honest, it was neither that easy nor that smooth. I had to go through a lot of tough times. I experienced a lot of growth, from having both my parents die within six months, and then meeting many people who affected my way of thinking and feeling. Before, I was so addicted to searching for things that didn't benefit me. I was looking to get "my next fix". I was getting love in the wrong places, and in the long run, I ended up breaking down to such a low point in my life. So low, that I had no choice but to change the way that I was doing things if I was going to survive. One thing that hit me after my mom died was remembering her words, "Piere, you only have one life to live, so you better get this right". Her words forced me to look within myself and come to terms with the bad choices I was making. I want to make her proud. Poetry is my passion and I love to share my story through my poems to inspire others. If I can change, so can you! I enjoy interacting with my readers. From Addiction to Attraction: A road to recovery The Heart of Addiction: Poetic Therapy NewLifePoetry Live   Other Sober Resources: I Am Sober App Getting Sober ...Again Boom Rethink The Drink Recovery Movie Meet-Ups No Sippy No Slippy. Not Another Drop No matter What.   Remember to Pour The Poison Down The Sink!!      Sobertownpodcast.com    

Host: Michal Charles aka MMC13 Guest: Kieran Cooke   Kieran is 42 years old and from Nottinghamshire England.  He has struggled with alcohol addiction for many years. After living the cycle of serial relapsing over and over, he has finally found peace with his sobriety. This is his story.   Kieran has been a Sobertown Podcast FB Group from the early days of the FB group being created. Kieran has struggled in his journey like most of us do. It's great seeing Kieran moving forward on his Sober Journey!! He's a huge inspiration to all of us with his posts and videos he creates where he shares his journey.   Thank you for all you do my Sober Brother!! Thank you for sharing your amazing Recovery Story!!! BOOOOOM!!   Other Sober Resources: I Am Sober App Getting Sober ...Again Boom Rethink The Drink Recovery Movie Meet-Ups No Sippy No Slippy. Not Another Drop No matter What.   Remember to Pour The Poison Down The Sink!!      Sobertownpodcast.com

Host: Michal Charles aka MMC13 Guest: Nicolas Morales Five Things To Know Before You Get Sober This book describes five elements of recovery that have been learned through experience. It explains raw realities that may not be covered in counseling, therapy, or treatment facilities. It allows the reader to see into these elements and prepare for them so the path to recovery may be accomplished with less roadblocks. It can also be used as a tool for individuals who are dancing around the idea of recovery. Through lived experience of addiction to opiates and alcohol, these five elements were the most shocking, rough, and problematic to a successful recovery. Addiction has no concern for the individual it plagues. The battle against it is unique to each person. These elements are generic in nature with the hope the reader will apply the topics to their own struggles.   Nico Morales: Transforming Lives Through Resilience and Purpose Born and raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Nico Morales embodies the spirit of the Duke City. As a third-generation resident, he takes immense pride in his roots and the vibrant community that shaped him. Nico's journey is a testament to the power of resilience and personal growth, as he overcame significant challenges to emerge as an author, graduate, and successful business owner. Nico's upbringing was influenced by his parents, who instilled in him the values of hard work and compassion. His father, a skilled technician in the technology sector, and his angelic mother, who dedicated herself to social work, provided Nico with a solid foundation. Despite their best efforts, Nico faced early hardships that left lasting imprints on his worldview. Throughout his childhood, Nico grappled with feelings of abandonment and rejection. These emotions were compounded by traumatic experiences, leading him to develop a skewed perspective on family and belonging. By the age of fourteen, Nico believed he was capable of living independently and contemplated dropping out of school to join the workforce. It was his mother's guidance and the prospect of pursuing his passion for wrestling that redirected his path back to education. Understanding the importance of financial independence, Nico devised alternative ways to earn money during the school year. Initially selling single prime times (loose cigarettes), he later transitioned into the cannabis trade. In his junior year of high school, Nico recognized the lucrative potential in the emerging market of prescription pills. However, his involvement took a dangerous turn when he succumbed to the temptations of substance abuse. Dependent on OxyContin, Nico faced a critical crossroad when the availability of the drug diminished. Faced with limited options, he turned to heroin as a means of escape. By the time he reached his twenties, Nico found himself living in his truck, ensnared in a cycle of desperation. It was this distress that ultimately compelled him to break free from opioid addiction, although he did so without seeking professional help to address the underlying issues. Reintegrating into his family's support system, Nico sought solace in excessive alcohol consumption, which strained relationships and led to his eventual expulsion from their homes. This rejection only amplified his feelings of isolation. Rock bottom arrived when Nico found himself living in a dilapidated building, broken physically, mentally, and spiritually. Despite the challenges, he recognized a higher purpose and chose to embark on a spiritual journey of healing. Through introspection and self-study, Nico gained valuable insights into his thoughts, emotions, and actions. This newfound awareness led to transformative changes in his life and propelled him toward serving others on their own paths of self-discovery. Fueling his purpose, Nico authored the book "Five Things to Know Before You Get Sober," sharing his experiences and providing guidance to those seeking a similar path of personal growth. Driven by his commitment to serve others, Nico pursued higher education with unwavering determination. He earned a bachelor's degree with honors, solidifying his academic achievements. Today, Nico is the proud founder of No Halo, a personal and professional development services company. The name reflects his belief that nobody is born an angel, but everyone has the capacity to improve themselves each day. Nico Morales stands as a living testament to the power of resilience, determination, and personal growth. His life experiences have shaped his mission to inspire others to discover their purpose, navigate life's challenges, and embrace imperfections. Through his work, Nico embodies the transformative journey from adversity to empowerment, reminding us all that it is never too late to change our lives for the better. Website: https://nohalonm.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@No_HaloNM Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nohalonm?mibextid=ZbWKwL   Other Sober Resources: I Am Sober App Getting Sober ...Again Boom Rethink The Drink Recovery Movie Meet-Ups No Sippy No Slippy. Not Another Drop No matter What.   Remember to Pour The Poison Down The Sink!!      Sobertownpodcast.com

Host: Drifter Guest: Terry G   Terry is a life long friend of Drifter and his late brother Mark Bittle. Terry is definitely a miracle who has transformed his life from addiction to an amazing sober life! Terry has become an amazing husband, father, grandfather, and friend! He continues to work the 12 Steps of Recovery and continues to give back to those coming behind him. Thank you my brother for sharing your amazing journey from the trenches of addiction to the powerful transformation of recovery!! BOOOOOM!!   Other Sober Resources: I Am Sober App Getting Sober ...Again Boom Rethink The Drink Recovery Movie Meet-Ups No Sippy No Slippy. Not Another Drop No matter What.   Remember to Pour The Poison Down The Sink!!      Sobertownpodcast.com

What an amazing Happy Hour. Pollya and Corinna reunited to share their thoughts and emotions on their journey through sobriety, grief and learning to build a new life. Please follow Corinna’s Blog Positive Recovery With Corrina and follow her Canam journey in honor of her late partner Andy.   Corinna is also the author of ‘The A-Z of Alcohol and Sobriety: Everything you need to know’ by Corinna Alderton  - available worldwide on Amazon.  Keep focussing  on controlling the things you can and not resisting the things you cannot www.sobertownpodcast.com  🍵🫖☕️💦 Chin Chin💖🙋🏻‍♀️   If you have any topics you would like me to cover or comments then please email me alcoholandsobriety@gmail.com My communities are:  Sobertownpodcast.com I Am Sober - Corinna Dotty Pot currently at 2 years.  Instagram@canamgirluk   YouTube: Positive Recovery With Corrina  (link in my Instagram bio)    Other Sober Resources: I Am Sober App Getting Sober ...Again Boom Rethink The Drink Recovery Movie Meet-Ups No Sippy No Slippy. Not Another Drop No matter What.   Remember to Pour The Poison Down The Sink!!      Sobertownpodcast.com

Host: Michal Charles Guest: Yves-Marc Lemieux   Yves-Marc Lemieux, CEO of Mind Engineering Corporation After studying and completing a BAC in Psycho Education and while helping others, Yves-Marc, obtained a Master's in Humanist Hypnosis and a Post Master in Neuroscience ( NLP - Neuro Linguistic Programming ). With a constant and never ending thirst for human achievements, Yves-Marc has dedicated his life in learning human psychology to help others reach their full potential and coaching them toward self-discovery and excellence.   UNCOMMON AMONGST THE COMMON is the Blueprint of exceptional achievers and is an awe-inspiring roadmap to greatness, etched with the sweat and tears of those who dared to dream big. Within its pages lie the secrets of relentless determination, unwavering passion, and belief. It is a beacon of hope for those who crave success, for it teaches that extraordinary achievements are not reserved for the chosen few, but attainable by anyone with the audacity to chase their dreams.   Other Sober Resources: I Am Sober App Getting Sober ...Again Boom Rethink The Drink Recovery Movie Meet-Ups No Sippy No Slippy. Not Another Drop No matter What.   Remember to Pour The Poison Down The Sink!!      Sobertownpodcast.com

Host: Drifter Guest: Erica Spiegelman Rewired is Now in over 300 prisons, jails and juvenile detention centers, with over 20,000 prisoners using Erica Spiegelman’s Rewired Programs FOR FREE!! Thank You Erica for all you’re giving to all of us around the world!!   Erica Spiegelman is an Addiction Specialist, Counselor, Author and Speaker who has made an indelible mark in the field of addiction recovery. She has founded a multi-media health and wellness platform, providing consulting and counseling solutions for clients by providing them with tools on how to reach emotional, mental and physical freedom. She holds a Bachelors degree in Literature from the University of Arizona and a degree as a California State Certified Drug and Alcohol Counselor (CADAC-II) from University of California, Los Angeles. Erica works with several treatment centers in California. She has a private practice, is a regular Wellness and Addiction expert on news shows, media outlets, writes for POOSH (poosh.com) and co-hosts a weekly podcast called: “Rewiring Your Life” on RadioMD. Erica also has the REWIRED PROGRAM which is an online educational program available on her website: Ericaspiegelman.com   A counselor at one of the most innovative and renowned drug and alcohol treatment centers in the world introduces an empowering approach to addiction recovery that addresses the whole self—mind, body, and spirit This “useful and practical perspective on what you can do to recover from [addiction]” can replace or supplement 12-step programs—at any stage in your recovery (Allen Berger, Ph.D., author of 12 Stupid Things That Mess Up Recovery)   Rewired is a new, breakthrough approach to fighting addiction and self-damaging behavior by acknowledging our personal power to bring ourselves back from the brink. Centered on the concept of self-actualization, Rewired will guide you towards not only physical sobriety, but a mental, emotional, and spiritual sobriety by learning to identify key principles within yourself, including authenticity, honesty, gratitude, and understanding a need for solitude.   Rewired addresses the whole self; just as addiction affects every part of one’s life, so too must its treatment. By helping us to build a healthy space to support our own recovery, we can rewrite the negative behaviors that result in addiction. Usable in conjunction with or in place of 12-step programs, Rewired allows for a more holistic approach, helping to create a personalized treatment plan that is right for you.   Each section in Rewired includes:   • Personal anecdotes from the author’s own struggles with alcoholism and addiction • Inspiring true success stories of patients overcoming their addictions • Questions to engage you into finding what is missing from your recovery • Positive affirmations and intentions to guide and motivate   With all the variables, both physical and emotional, that play into overcoming addiction, Rewiredenables us to stay strong and positive as we progress on the path to recovery. Rewired teaches patience and compassion, the two cornerstones of a new, humanist approach to curing addiction. Remember, addicts are not broken people that need to be fixed—they just have a few crossed wires.     Other Sober Resources: I Am Sober App Getting Sober ...Again Boom Rethink The Drink Recovery Movie Meet-Ups No Sippy No Slippy. Not Another Drop No matter What.   Remember to Pour The Poison Down The Sink!!      Sobertownpodcast.com

Host: Drifter Guest: Brett Grau   Ripped Sober: The Fitness Routine That Got Me Out Of Addiction, Into Recovery, And How To Create Your Own (Fitness Series) Take back control and free yourself from the shackles of addiction with the power of physical fitness! Do you wake up every damn morning feeling trapped inside your own body because you can't even control your addiction? Are you struggling to keep your life intact because of the urges and cravings that seem to control your life? Do you find yourself wondering if there’s still hope for you because you have exhausted all your means of moving forward yet you always end up back to square one? You’re not alone. Addiction has plagued millions of people around the world. In fact, in the United States, almost 21 million suffer from at least one addiction. Addiction has ruined the lives of countless individuals. It promises them a false illusion of a life of happiness and bliss, yet the reality is a prison trapping them from a bright and happy future. Fortunately, it’s not yet too late. There are scientific ways to fight back and conquer addiction, to take back the reins of control and fix your life. This is where Brett Grau enters the picture. Drawing from his own addiction success story, he outlines an easy and effective roadmap for addicts to recover their true selves. Even better, you don’t have to spend money on medicines, rehab, or other costly sessions! All you need is the commitment to change, forgive yourself for your progress, and a practical guide to walking you through using your own body to overcome your addiction. Inside this transformative manual on using physical fitness as your weapon against addiction, you will discover: ● An inspiring story of how a man conquered the addiction that has plagued him for years – it’s never too late for anyone, as long as you WANT to change! ● The importance of identifying your trauma to fully understand the root of your addiction –by making your inner child feel safe, overcoming your urges can be easier ● How to motivate yourself and keep your brain focused on the sobriety track despite the various temptations around ● Science-backed proof that training for fitness events can significantly speed up your recovery progress ● The various benefits of exercising outdoors and surrounding yourself with nature – you can literally have your workout anywhere, free of charge! ● How to incorporate physical exercise in your daily routine – turn your household chores into a strenuous workout and achieve your goals in no time ● Effective workout routines that involve meditation and mindfulness – improve your mind and body connection by being fully present! And so much more! The journey to overcoming addiction is riddled with challenges and hardships because you’re basically facing the most difficult enemy of them all: yourself. But you have this book as your guide to walk you through how to win every battle in your mind while removing the traces of harmful substances in your body. It’s time to say goodbye to addiction and get started on the road to recovery, health, and happiness! Don’t let addiction hold you back from the life you want. Are you up for the most transformative challenge? Click Here to Buy the Book    The Sober Revolution FB Brett Grau Sober Rebel FB The Sober Revolution by Brett Grau, YouTube     Other Sober Resources: I Am Sober App Getting Sober ...Again Boom Rethink The Drink Recovery Movie Meet-Ups No Sippy No Slippy. Not Another Drop No matter What.   Remember to Pour The Poison Down The Sink!!      Sobertownpodcast.com