Brobriety: Sobriety, Mental Health, and Wellness For Men (And Women, and the Men and Women Who Love Them) Transistor (https://transistor.fm) https://feeds.transistor.fm/club-soda-club I'm just a regular guy on a journey to understand addiction, myself, and how to be a well-adjusted man in the modern era. Each week, I'm joined by people a lot smarter than me to help me learn about mental health, masculinity, substance abuse, wellness, and more. © 2025 VanSober 87233dba-ee81-5b36-b961-2aaefc46f078 no en Wed, 23 Jul 2025 07:34:44 -0700 Tue, 02 Dec 2025 12:20:09 -0800 https://brobriety.transistor.fm https://img.transistor.fm/e3kGZBKjfr0CsxaQR1vAl5y0MkZNF9YZI48WOQrmf5k/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:1400/h:1400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS9zaG93/LzI5ODQvMTYwMzQz/MjEwMS1hcnR3b3Jr/LmpwZw.jpg Brobriety: Sobriety, Mental Health, and Wellness For Men (And Women, and the Men and Women Who Love Them) https://brobriety.transistor.fm episodic VanSober I'm just a regular guy on a journey to understand addiction, myself, and how to be a well-adjusted man in the modern era. Each week, I'm joined by people a lot smarter than me to help me learn about mental health, masculinity, substance abuse, wellness, and more. I'm just a regular guy on a journey to understand addiction, myself, and how to be a well-adjusted man in the modern era. sobriety, sober living, sober curious, wellness, VanSober No No Getting Spiritual in Sobriety with Seth Perry, The Vegan Pastor 26 26 Getting Spiritual in Sobriety with Seth Perry, The Vegan Pastor full 859bfff1-31d7-423d-ba06-d941b98f146d https://share.transistor.fm/s/1c9264c2 Seth Perry started using drugs and alcohol as a teenager to feel acceptance, and later to manage the symptoms of bipolar disorder, but after his addiction spiralled into drug psychosis and damaged his relationships with friends and family, he got clean. Then, a chance meeting put him on the path to becoming a pastor, and now he helps recovering addicts developing their own spiritual practice. In this incredible discussion, Seth shares:

  • How a lack of openness around emotions impacted his beliefs around masculinity
  • How bipolar disorder contributed to his substance abuse, and how attempts to manage it developed into full-blown addiction
  • His journey to sobriety and spirituality
  • How sober living helped him stay sober
  • How people in recovery can exercise their spiritual muscle 

Seth Perry is a recovering addict, pastor and video creator living in Kingston Ontario, Canada. He has a Masters Degree in Theology and a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Film Production. Seth got clean in April of 2010 and he has worked as a chaplain in a treatment centre, an addictions counsellor, a support worker and he has also managed a sober living house. In his final 6 years of active addiction he was a stand-up comedian. He left life on the stage behind when he got clean.

 

Seth’s greatest strength is talking about spirituality and recovery in an inclusive way. When he works with his fellow addicts he takes a broad approach to spirituality. Seth recognizes we live in a diverse world and spiritual caregivers must adapt to each individual's unique context. This broad spiritual approach to recovery is expressed in his video content that he produces on his new YouTube channel titled simply: “Seth Perry”. 


Learn more about Seth on his YouTube channel or follow him on Instagram at @VeganPastor.

]]> Seth Perry started using drugs and alcohol as a teenager to feel acceptance, and later to manage the symptoms of bipolar disorder, but after his addiction spiralled into drug psychosis and damaged his relationships with friends and family, he got clean. Then, a chance meeting put him on the path to becoming a pastor, and now he helps recovering addicts developing their own spiritual practice. In this incredible discussion, Seth shares:

  • How a lack of openness around emotions impacted his beliefs around masculinity
  • How bipolar disorder contributed to his substance abuse, and how attempts to manage it developed into full-blown addiction
  • His journey to sobriety and spirituality
  • How sober living helped him stay sober
  • How people in recovery can exercise their spiritual muscle 

Seth Perry is a recovering addict, pastor and video creator living in Kingston Ontario, Canada. He has a Masters Degree in Theology and a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Film Production. Seth got clean in April of 2010 and he has worked as a chaplain in a treatment centre, an addictions counsellor, a support worker and he has also managed a sober living house. In his final 6 years of active addiction he was a stand-up comedian. He left life on the stage behind when he got clean.

 

Seth’s greatest strength is talking about spirituality and recovery in an inclusive way. When he works with his fellow addicts he takes a broad approach to spirituality. Seth recognizes we live in a diverse world and spiritual caregivers must adapt to each individual's unique context. This broad spiritual approach to recovery is expressed in his video content that he produces on his new YouTube channel titled simply: “Seth Perry”. 


Learn more about Seth on his YouTube channel or follow him on Instagram at @VeganPastor.

]]> Tue, 30 Mar 2021 04:00:00 -0700 VanSober VanSober 3564 Seth Perry started using drugs and alcohol as a teenager to feel acceptance, and later to manage the symptoms of bipolar disorder, but after his addiction spiralled into drug psychosis and damaged his relationships with friends and family, he got clean. Then, a chance meeting put him on the path to becoming a pastor, and now he helps recovering addicts developing their own spiritual practice. Seth Perry started using drugs and alcohol as a teenager to feel acceptance, and later to manage the symptoms of bipolar disorder, but after his addiction spiralled into drug psychosis and damaged his relationships with friends and family, he got clean. T sobriety, sober living, sober curious, wellness, No Building Better Men with Dr. Jeremy Goldberg, Long Distance Love Bombs 25 25 Building Better Men with Dr. Jeremy Goldberg, Long Distance Love Bombs full f387ec48-f744-4c4e-bbfc-22d26ba7eee3 https://share.transistor.fm/s/445bd1c6 “When nothing is certain, anything is possible.”


Dr. Jeremy Goldberg grew up in a household with an alcoholic mother and got a crash course in acceptance and personal responsibility. Now, he uses the lessons he learned through those struggles to help build a generation of better men. In this powerful conversation, he discusses:

  • How men can lead with heart and wholeness
  • How the meaning of being a man is evolving
  • The lack of initiation rituals for men in western culture
  • How his mother’s alcoholism shaped him

Dr. Jeremy Goldberg is trying to make kindness cool and the world better than it was yesterday. He wrote a book, gave a TEDx talk, coaches clients, leads retreats, hosts a podcast, and shares daily delights with more than 40,000 followers on Instagram. He's worked for governments and universities for over a decade, is an expert in human behavior, and spent years studying how our brains influence our actions and wrote a Ph.D. thesis about it.

 
He's a recovering scientist turned life coach who speaks fluent burrito.  He own a van and a man bun and in my spare time, I collect silver linings.  People pay him to make them cry.

Learn more about Jeremy: @longdistancelovebombs

]]> “When nothing is certain, anything is possible.”


Dr. Jeremy Goldberg grew up in a household with an alcoholic mother and got a crash course in acceptance and personal responsibility. Now, he uses the lessons he learned through those struggles to help build a generation of better men. In this powerful conversation, he discusses:

  • How men can lead with heart and wholeness
  • How the meaning of being a man is evolving
  • The lack of initiation rituals for men in western culture
  • How his mother’s alcoholism shaped him

Dr. Jeremy Goldberg is trying to make kindness cool and the world better than it was yesterday. He wrote a book, gave a TEDx talk, coaches clients, leads retreats, hosts a podcast, and shares daily delights with more than 40,000 followers on Instagram. He's worked for governments and universities for over a decade, is an expert in human behavior, and spent years studying how our brains influence our actions and wrote a Ph.D. thesis about it.

 
He's a recovering scientist turned life coach who speaks fluent burrito.  He own a van and a man bun and in my spare time, I collect silver linings.  People pay him to make them cry.

Learn more about Jeremy: @longdistancelovebombs

]]> Tue, 02 Mar 2021 03:45:00 -0800 VanSober VanSober 3825 “When nothing is certain, anything is possible.” Dr. Jeremy Goldberg grew up in a household with an alcoholic mother and got a crash course in acceptance and personal responsibility. Now, he uses the lessons he learned through those struggles to help build a generation of better men. “When nothing is certain, anything is possible.” Dr. Jeremy Goldberg grew up in a household with an alcoholic mother and got a crash course in acceptance and personal responsibility. Now, he uses the lessons he learned through those struggles to help b sobriety, sober living, wellness, men's mental health, men's sobriety, long distance love bombs No Personal Growth and Getting Uncomfortable with Kevin Bellack, The Sober Ginger 24 24 Personal Growth and Getting Uncomfortable with Kevin Bellack, The Sober Ginger full 99375955-c1e3-44fb-9378-e9f0f1ef6f0e https://share.transistor.fm/s/0a4ff6d3 Kevin Bellack had a great career and a loving family, but watched his drinking spiral out of control as he used it to manage job-related stress and keep his emotions at bay. After spending time stuck in the cycle of wanting to quit, he finally reached out to a therapist—a single step that changed his life.


In this episode, Kevin shares:

  • How sobriety has given him the opportunity to understand himself better and invest in himself more 
  • How much of his personal growth has come through acceptance with discomfort
  • How he’s grown from someone who drank to avoid his emotions into someone who shares his innermost thoughts with an online audience
  • How little habits help him achieve big goals


Kevin, also known as The Sober Ginger, is an alcohol free accountant and co-host on the 1,000 Hours Dry and 1,000 Hours Dry Stag pages on Instagram.  He is 41 years old and lives in Cleveland, Ohio with his wife and daughter.  


]]> Kevin Bellack had a great career and a loving family, but watched his drinking spiral out of control as he used it to manage job-related stress and keep his emotions at bay. After spending time stuck in the cycle of wanting to quit, he finally reached out to a therapist—a single step that changed his life.


In this episode, Kevin shares:

  • How sobriety has given him the opportunity to understand himself better and invest in himself more 
  • How much of his personal growth has come through acceptance with discomfort
  • How he’s grown from someone who drank to avoid his emotions into someone who shares his innermost thoughts with an online audience
  • How little habits help him achieve big goals


Kevin, also known as The Sober Ginger, is an alcohol free accountant and co-host on the 1,000 Hours Dry and 1,000 Hours Dry Stag pages on Instagram.  He is 41 years old and lives in Cleveland, Ohio with his wife and daughter.  


]]> Tue, 16 Feb 2021 04:00:00 -0800 VanSober VanSober 3124 “Every emotion, my hand twitched for a glass. If I was sad, if I was angry, if I was happy, everything—I used alcohol to cover it up.” Kevin Bellack had a great career and a loving family, but watched his drinking spiral out of control as he used it to manage job-related stress and keep his emotions at bay. After spending time stuck in the cycle of wanting to quit, he finally reached out to a therapist—a single step that changed his life. “Every emotion, my hand twitched for a glass. If I was sad, if I was angry, if I was happy, everything—I used alcohol to cover it up.” Kevin Bellack had a great career and a loving family, but watched his drinking spiral out of control as he used it to sobriety, sober living, sober curious, wellness, No Long Term Sobriety with Graeme Duffy 23 23 Long Term Sobriety with Graeme Duffy full c15447c3-6141-45e1-bfdd-82fb2b20349b https://share.transistor.fm/s/270bdb2b Growing up, Graeme found himself on the outside a lot, so he turned to alcohol and drugs to finally find a sense of belonging. Once he started to feel the pain of his actions and see the broken promises to himself stack up, he realized he had a problem. After living in rock bottom for four years, at 27 years old he found himself in an AA meeting and has stayed sober for the past 19 years.

  • The message of hope he found in connecting with others who were sober
  • How he managed himself in early, middle, and late sobriety
  • How spiritual principles have helped him stay sober through a mid-life sobriety crisis
  • How sobriety gives him the chance to feel

Graeme recently celebrated 19 year of continuous sobriety. Over the better part of the last 2 decades Graeme has committed much of his time to learning about substance misuse and how to help others to live a life free of addiction and addictive behaviours. 

 

As an actor, comedian and corporate trainer Graeme’s work has taken him all over the world. 

 

These days you can find him wandering along the driftwood covered beaches of the Pacific Northwest in the hopes of spotting a pod of orcas.

]]> Growing up, Graeme found himself on the outside a lot, so he turned to alcohol and drugs to finally find a sense of belonging. Once he started to feel the pain of his actions and see the broken promises to himself stack up, he realized he had a problem. After living in rock bottom for four years, at 27 years old he found himself in an AA meeting and has stayed sober for the past 19 years.

  • The message of hope he found in connecting with others who were sober
  • How he managed himself in early, middle, and late sobriety
  • How spiritual principles have helped him stay sober through a mid-life sobriety crisis
  • How sobriety gives him the chance to feel

Graeme recently celebrated 19 year of continuous sobriety. Over the better part of the last 2 decades Graeme has committed much of his time to learning about substance misuse and how to help others to live a life free of addiction and addictive behaviours. 

 

As an actor, comedian and corporate trainer Graeme’s work has taken him all over the world. 

 

These days you can find him wandering along the driftwood covered beaches of the Pacific Northwest in the hopes of spotting a pod of orcas.

]]> Tue, 02 Feb 2021 04:00:00 -0800 VanSober VanSober 3772 Growing up, Graeme Duffy found himself on the outside a lot, so he turned to alcohol and drugs to finally find a sense of belonging. Once he started to feel the pain of his actions and see the broken promises to himself stack up, he realized he had a problem. At 27 years old he found himself in an AA meeting and has stayed sober for the past 19 years through numerous challenges along the way. Hear how. Growing up, Graeme Duffy found himself on the outside a lot, so he turned to alcohol and drugs to finally find a sense of belonging. Once he started to feel the pain of his actions and see the broken promises to himself stack up, he realized he had a prob sobriety, sober living, sober curious, wellness, No Seeking Support and Managing Depression with Josh Beharry 22 22 Seeking Support and Managing Depression with Josh Beharry full ad0338dc-2feb-437e-b832-5dffb38fa0e4 https://share.transistor.fm/s/0c7c34ab A decade ago, Josh Beharry tried taking his own life. Now he devotes his life to helping other men identify symptoms of depression or suicide and overcome the stigma of discussing them.


In this episode, Josh tells us about:

  • His journey of recovery from his suicide attempt, and why recovery isn’t always linear
  • The prevalence of depression and suicide amongst men
  • Tools he uses to manage his depression now
  • How speaking up about mental health issues can save your life

Since recovering from experiences with depression in 2010, Josh has become a passionate advocate for mental health. Josh coordinates the communications and website for HeadsUpGuys, a resource for supporting men in their fight against depression by providing tips, tools, information about professional services, and stories of success.


Resources:

HeadsUpGuys
Josh's story
The Canada Suicide Prevention Service
Tethr

]]> A decade ago, Josh Beharry tried taking his own life. Now he devotes his life to helping other men identify symptoms of depression or suicide and overcome the stigma of discussing them.


In this episode, Josh tells us about:

  • His journey of recovery from his suicide attempt, and why recovery isn’t always linear
  • The prevalence of depression and suicide amongst men
  • Tools he uses to manage his depression now
  • How speaking up about mental health issues can save your life

Since recovering from experiences with depression in 2010, Josh has become a passionate advocate for mental health. Josh coordinates the communications and website for HeadsUpGuys, a resource for supporting men in their fight against depression by providing tips, tools, information about professional services, and stories of success.


Resources:

HeadsUpGuys
Josh's story
The Canada Suicide Prevention Service
Tethr

]]> Tue, 19 Jan 2021 04:00:00 -0800 VanSober VanSober 2422 A decade ago, Josh Beharry tried taking his own life. Now he devotes his life to helping other men identify symptoms of depression or suicide and overcome the stigma of discussing them. A decade ago, Josh Beharry tried taking his own life. Now he devotes his life to helping other men identify symptoms of depression or suicide and overcome the stigma of discussing them. sobriety, sober living, sober curious, wellness, No Building a Purposeful Life with Lou Redmond 21 21 Building a Purposeful Life with Lou Redmond full 1fdb91cd-a672-48e5-a720-cb8dd7d54569 https://share.transistor.fm/s/6c39727d Six years ago Lou Redmond, by all accounts, had a pretty good life—a good job, an active social life, partying on the weekends, plenty of Seinfeld—but it wasn’t the life he wanted, so he set out to discover how he could build a life that was more aligned with who he was, and now he spreads his message of purpose, mindfulness, and self-confidence all over the country.


In this episode, Lou joins us to discuss:

  • His ‘hero’s journey’ from corporate ladder climber to life of purpose
  • The difference between finding a purpose and building a purposeful life
  • The ripple effect the positive change in our lives can bring to others
  • The beauty of embracing failure and imposter syndrome

Lou Redmond is an author, meditation teacher, life coach, and inspirational speaker. His honest and relatable approach offers hope and guidance to those on the path of meditation and self-development.


His meditations have been listened to over 700,000 times and his course, Learn to Stop Caring What Others think is one of the most popular on Insight Timer. Lou is also the founder of One Mindful Education, an organization that brings meditation, yoga, and mindfulness into schools across the country.


Lou's courses on Insight Timer
Learn more about Lou here
Follow Lou on Instagram

]]> Six years ago Lou Redmond, by all accounts, had a pretty good life—a good job, an active social life, partying on the weekends, plenty of Seinfeld—but it wasn’t the life he wanted, so he set out to discover how he could build a life that was more aligned with who he was, and now he spreads his message of purpose, mindfulness, and self-confidence all over the country.


In this episode, Lou joins us to discuss:

  • His ‘hero’s journey’ from corporate ladder climber to life of purpose
  • The difference between finding a purpose and building a purposeful life
  • The ripple effect the positive change in our lives can bring to others
  • The beauty of embracing failure and imposter syndrome

Lou Redmond is an author, meditation teacher, life coach, and inspirational speaker. His honest and relatable approach offers hope and guidance to those on the path of meditation and self-development.


His meditations have been listened to over 700,000 times and his course, Learn to Stop Caring What Others think is one of the most popular on Insight Timer. Lou is also the founder of One Mindful Education, an organization that brings meditation, yoga, and mindfulness into schools across the country.


Lou's courses on Insight Timer
Learn more about Lou here
Follow Lou on Instagram

]]> Tue, 29 Dec 2020 05:00:00 -0800 VanSober VanSober 4382 Six years ago Lou Redmond, by all accounts, had a pretty good life—a good job, an active social life, partying on the weekends, plenty of Seinfeld—but it wasn’t the life he wanted, so he set out to discover how he could build a life that was more aligned with who he was, and now he spreads his message of purpose, mindfulness, and self-confidence all over the country. Six years ago Lou Redmond, by all accounts, had a pretty good life—a good job, an active social life, partying on the weekends, plenty of Seinfeld—but it wasn’t the life he wanted, so he set out to discover how he could build a life that was more aligned sobriety, sober living, sober curious, wellness, No Battling Addiction Through Vulnerability and Storytelling with Alex Kaplan of Of Substance 20 20 Battling Addiction Through Vulnerability and Storytelling with Alex Kaplan of Of Substance full 8c60c7cc-daaa-4aaf-9210-eb2c81f97473 https://share.transistor.fm/s/f3692e63 A 23-year-old Alex Kaplan buried his father and then buried his grief in alcohol and cocaine. Now he uses his passion for filmmaking to share stories highlighting the human experience and spread the gospel of openness and vulnerability to people lacking connection and struggling with addiction. In this interview with Alex, we discuss:

  • How his father’s passing led to his addiction to alcohol and cocaine
  • Why he believes vulnerability is a superpower
  • How he’s creating community through the power of story
  • Why connection in sobriety is so important

Alex Kaplan is a native of Philadelphia and is a new resident of Los Angeles. He is the Co-founder & Executive Director of Of Substance, an innovative nonprofit working to overcome the shame, blame, and stigma surrounding addiction through premium, entertaining short films, turning immersive cinema into an approachable tool for behavioral change. After surviving his own battles with addiction, Alex is grateful to have stumbled upon an exciting way to use his skills as a filmmaker to help others on their path of recovery. We all struggle with something that makes us feel shame, and shame leads to isolation and loneliness. Of Substance is committed to showing everyone that no matter what you struggle with, you're not crazy, you're not alone, and there is hope. Alex's personal mission in life is to positively transform people's relationships with themselves and others in their lives, and their beliefs in what's possible.

Learn more about Alex and Of Substance at @of_substance or OfSubstance.org.

Show Notes:


Note: nothing in this podcast is intended to be a replacement for medical or professional advice. If you, or someone you care about, is suffering from addiction or substance abuse, visit one of the confidential, non-judgmental resources below:


The Recovery Village Hotline

Health Canada Substance Use Resources

The Alcohol Addiction Center Resource Page

]]> A 23-year-old Alex Kaplan buried his father and then buried his grief in alcohol and cocaine. Now he uses his passion for filmmaking to share stories highlighting the human experience and spread the gospel of openness and vulnerability to people lacking connection and struggling with addiction. In this interview with Alex, we discuss:

  • How his father’s passing led to his addiction to alcohol and cocaine
  • Why he believes vulnerability is a superpower
  • How he’s creating community through the power of story
  • Why connection in sobriety is so important

Alex Kaplan is a native of Philadelphia and is a new resident of Los Angeles. He is the Co-founder & Executive Director of Of Substance, an innovative nonprofit working to overcome the shame, blame, and stigma surrounding addiction through premium, entertaining short films, turning immersive cinema into an approachable tool for behavioral change. After surviving his own battles with addiction, Alex is grateful to have stumbled upon an exciting way to use his skills as a filmmaker to help others on their path of recovery. We all struggle with something that makes us feel shame, and shame leads to isolation and loneliness. Of Substance is committed to showing everyone that no matter what you struggle with, you're not crazy, you're not alone, and there is hope. Alex's personal mission in life is to positively transform people's relationships with themselves and others in their lives, and their beliefs in what's possible.

Learn more about Alex and Of Substance at @of_substance or OfSubstance.org.

Show Notes:


Note: nothing in this podcast is intended to be a replacement for medical or professional advice. If you, or someone you care about, is suffering from addiction or substance abuse, visit one of the confidential, non-judgmental resources below:


The Recovery Village Hotline

Health Canada Substance Use Resources

The Alcohol Addiction Center Resource Page

]]> Tue, 08 Dec 2020 04:00:00 -0800 VanSober VanSober 3943 A 23-year-old Alex Kaplan buried his father and then buried his grief in alcohol and cocaine. Now he uses his passion for filmmaking to share stories highlighting the human experience and spread the gospel of openness and vulnerability to people lacking connection and struggling with addiction. A 23-year-old Alex Kaplan buried his father and then buried his grief in alcohol and cocaine. Now he uses his passion for filmmaking to share stories highlighting the human experience and spread the gospel of openness and vulnerability to people lacking c sobriety, sober living, sober curious, wellness, No Sober Safe Spaces with Chris Marshall of Sans Bar 19 19 Sober Safe Spaces with Chris Marshall of Sans Bar full 4434fd26-8b9e-4c9d-8897-9d994eb31782 https://share.transistor.fm/s/90c7ada4 When Chris Marshall was five years old, his dad was diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia and he was thrust into a role as ‘man of the house’, kicking off a multi-decade odyssey to figure out what ‘being a man’ really looked like, including using alcohol as a substitute for belonging. Now, he uses social media and live events to spread a message of sobriety and self-acceptance around North America. In this interview with Chris, we discuss:

  • Early life trauma
  • Becoming the ‘man of the house’ as a child
  • Alcohol as a vehicle for belonging
  • Creating sober spaces
  • The science of self discovery
  • Normalizing expression of emotion for men

Follow Chris at @sans_bar or learn more at thesansbar.com.

Chris Marshall is an event curator, mental health advocate, co-founder of Sober by Southwest, and owner of Sans Bar, a sober bar community based in Austin Texas. In addition to his award winning bar in Austin, Marshall has produced alcohol-free social events in over 15 cities across the United States and Canada which offer elevated connection centered experiences sans alcohol. He has been featured in USA Today, Rachel Ray Magazine, Time Magazine, and NPR’s Morning Edition.

Show Notes:


Note: nothing in this podcast is intended to be a replacement for medical or professional advice. If you, or someone you care about, is suffering from addiction or substance abuse, visit one of the confidential, non-judgmental resources below:


The Recovery Village Hotline

Health Canada Substance Use Resources

The Alcohol Addiction Center Resource Page

]]> When Chris Marshall was five years old, his dad was diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia and he was thrust into a role as ‘man of the house’, kicking off a multi-decade odyssey to figure out what ‘being a man’ really looked like, including using alcohol as a substitute for belonging. Now, he uses social media and live events to spread a message of sobriety and self-acceptance around North America. In this interview with Chris, we discuss:

  • Early life trauma
  • Becoming the ‘man of the house’ as a child
  • Alcohol as a vehicle for belonging
  • Creating sober spaces
  • The science of self discovery
  • Normalizing expression of emotion for men

Follow Chris at @sans_bar or learn more at thesansbar.com.

Chris Marshall is an event curator, mental health advocate, co-founder of Sober by Southwest, and owner of Sans Bar, a sober bar community based in Austin Texas. In addition to his award winning bar in Austin, Marshall has produced alcohol-free social events in over 15 cities across the United States and Canada which offer elevated connection centered experiences sans alcohol. He has been featured in USA Today, Rachel Ray Magazine, Time Magazine, and NPR’s Morning Edition.

Show Notes:


Note: nothing in this podcast is intended to be a replacement for medical or professional advice. If you, or someone you care about, is suffering from addiction or substance abuse, visit one of the confidential, non-judgmental resources below:


The Recovery Village Hotline

Health Canada Substance Use Resources

The Alcohol Addiction Center Resource Page

]]> Tue, 24 Nov 2020 05:12:19 -0800 VanSober VanSober 3840 When Chris Marshall was five years old, his dad was diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia and he was thrust into a role as ‘man of the house’, kicking off a multi-decade odyssey to figure out what ‘being a man’ really looked like, including using alcohol as a substitute for belonging. Now, he uses social media and live events to spread a message of sobriety and self-acceptance around North America. When Chris Marshall was five years old, his dad was diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia and he was thrust into a role as ‘man of the house’, kicking off a multi-decade odyssey to figure out what ‘being a man’ really looked like, including using alcohol sobriety, sober living, sober curious, wellness, No Get Brolitical 18 18 Get Brolitical full 45f47c5b-412b-4394-895b-b6cc232aca89 https://share.transistor.fm/s/8a5eccd6 On an unexpectedly (or expectedly) political episode of Brobriety, we discuss something everyone is already sick to death of hearing about: The U.S. election! Specifically, the right’s attack on Hunter Biden’s addiction, Biden and Trump’s sobriety, rugged individualism as a symptom of toxic masculinity, the strength of community, protecting your mental health from politics, and why everyone deserves a yearlong nap.


Show Notes:


Note: nothing in this podcast is intended to be a replacement for medical or professional advice. If you, or someone you care about, is suffering from addiction or substance abuse, visit one of the confidential, non-judgmental resources below:


The Recovery Village Hotline

Health Canada Substance Use Resources

The Alcohol Addiction Center Resource Page


Recommended:


Donate to #Brovember

Follow @van_sober

Follow @WFLBC

Good sober drinks for good sober people: Soberdry

]]> On an unexpectedly (or expectedly) political episode of Brobriety, we discuss something everyone is already sick to death of hearing about: The U.S. election! Specifically, the right’s attack on Hunter Biden’s addiction, Biden and Trump’s sobriety, rugged individualism as a symptom of toxic masculinity, the strength of community, protecting your mental health from politics, and why everyone deserves a yearlong nap.


Show Notes:


Note: nothing in this podcast is intended to be a replacement for medical or professional advice. If you, or someone you care about, is suffering from addiction or substance abuse, visit one of the confidential, non-judgmental resources below:


The Recovery Village Hotline

Health Canada Substance Use Resources

The Alcohol Addiction Center Resource Page


Recommended:


Donate to #Brovember

Follow @van_sober

Follow @WFLBC

Good sober drinks for good sober people: Soberdry

]]> Wed, 11 Nov 2020 05:00:00 -0800 VanSober VanSober 2967 What does mental health look like during election season? The Bros discuss their experience watching the U.S. election, the right's attacks on Hunter Biden's addiction, how toxic masculinity shows up in politics, and why we all deserve a yearlong nap. What does mental health look like during election season? The Bros discuss their experience watching the U.S. election, the right's attacks on Hunter Biden's addiction, how toxic masculinity shows up in politics, and why we all deserve a yearlong nap. sobriety, sober living, sober curious, wellness, No Welcome to the Thunderbrome 17 17 Welcome to the Thunderbrome full 0fe77a61-3adf-44c8-9e57-d7e4087a6cd1 https://share.transistor.fm/s/ce51485c Who are we? What is a man? Why did we spend decades of our lives addicted to alcohol and drugs? Is masculinity inherently toxic? All these questions will be answered and MORE in the first episode of Brobriety, your new favorite podcast tackling sobriety and mental health for men, women, and the men and women who love them. Also: rat facts!


Show Notes:


Note: nothing in this podcast is intended to be a replacement for medical or professional advice. If you, or someone you care about, is suffering from addiction or substance abuse, visit one of the confidential, non-judgmental resources below:


The Recovery Village Hotline

Health Canada Substance Use Resources

The Alcohol Addiction Center Resource Page


Talking Points:


Johann Hari: This Could Be Why You're Depressed or Anxious
Rat Park

]]> Who are we? What is a man? Why did we spend decades of our lives addicted to alcohol and drugs? Is masculinity inherently toxic? All these questions will be answered and MORE in the first episode of Brobriety, your new favorite podcast tackling sobriety and mental health for men, women, and the men and women who love them. Also: rat facts!


Show Notes:


Note: nothing in this podcast is intended to be a replacement for medical or professional advice. If you, or someone you care about, is suffering from addiction or substance abuse, visit one of the confidential, non-judgmental resources below:


The Recovery Village Hotline

Health Canada Substance Use Resources

The Alcohol Addiction Center Resource Page


Talking Points:


Johann Hari: This Could Be Why You're Depressed or Anxious
Rat Park

]]> Tue, 27 Oct 2020 07:00:00 -0700 VanSober VanSober 3157 Who are we? What is a man? Why did we spend decades of our lives addicted to alcohol and drugs? Is masculinity inherently toxic? All these questions will be answered and MORE in the first episode of Brobriety, your new favorite podcast tackling sobriety and mental health for men, women, and the men and women who love them. Also: rat facts! Who are we? What is a man? Why did we spend decades of our lives addicted to alcohol and drugs? Is masculinity inherently toxic? All these questions will be answered and MORE in the first episode of Brobriety, your new favorite podcast tackling sobriety a sobriety, sober living, sober curious, wellness, No Introducing Brobriety 16 16 Introducing Brobriety full d7689bfd-f069-4a63-9f14-9b369fb08a01 https://share.transistor.fm/s/ef907ca1 Yo, it's a new podcast about sobriety and masculinity, by the guys for the guys (and anyone who knows a guy) tackling substance abuse, relationships, mental health, trauma, and what it really means to be a man in the modern era. New episodes coming soon!

]]> Yo, it's a new podcast about sobriety and masculinity, by the guys for the guys (and anyone who knows a guy) tackling substance abuse, relationships, mental health, trauma, and what it really means to be a man in the modern era. New episodes coming soon!

]]> Thu, 22 Oct 2020 23:16:25 -0700 VanSober VanSober 44 Yo, it's a new podcast about sobriety and masculinity, by the guys for the guys (and anyone who knows a guy) tackling substance abuse, relationships, mental health, trauma, and what it really means to be a man in the modern era. New episodes coming soon! Yo, it's a new podcast about sobriety and masculinity, by the guys for the guys (and anyone who knows a guy) tackling substance abuse, relationships, mental health, trauma, and what it really means to be a man in the modern era. New episodes coming soon! sobriety, sober living, sober curious, wellness, No Club Soda Club Episode 15: This Is The End 15 15 Club Soda Club Episode 15: This Is The End full 3f11426a-f6a0-45eb-8134-73f533bfb213 https://share.transistor.fm/s/73bcc5b6 Everyone has their own journey to sobriety—for some people, it's waking up one day and asking yourself 'why do I need to drink?' For others, it's a car crash and criminal charges. In this meeting of the Club Soda Club, Scott and Derek share what got them to sober up, the many failed attempts before that, finding gratitude for their darkest moments, and how this pandemic is fucking with our mental health. Also: HAPPY BIRTHDAY SCOTT!

Recommendations:

Uli's Restaurant in White Rock, B.C.
The Lonely City by Olivia Laing

Note: nothing in this podcast is intended to be a replacement for medical or professional advice. If you, or someone you care about, is suffering from addiction or substance abuse, visit one of the confidential, non-judgmental resources below:


The Recovery Village Hotline

Health Canada Substance Use Resources

The Alcohol Addiction Center Resource Page

Mental Health and the COVID-19 Pandemic

Canadian Government Resources on caring for your mental health during COVID-19

]]> Everyone has their own journey to sobriety—for some people, it's waking up one day and asking yourself 'why do I need to drink?' For others, it's a car crash and criminal charges. In this meeting of the Club Soda Club, Scott and Derek share what got them to sober up, the many failed attempts before that, finding gratitude for their darkest moments, and how this pandemic is fucking with our mental health. Also: HAPPY BIRTHDAY SCOTT!

Recommendations:

Uli's Restaurant in White Rock, B.C.
The Lonely City by Olivia Laing

Note: nothing in this podcast is intended to be a replacement for medical or professional advice. If you, or someone you care about, is suffering from addiction or substance abuse, visit one of the confidential, non-judgmental resources below:


The Recovery Village Hotline

Health Canada Substance Use Resources

The Alcohol Addiction Center Resource Page

Mental Health and the COVID-19 Pandemic

Canadian Government Resources on caring for your mental health during COVID-19

]]> Sat, 30 May 2020 04:00:00 -0700 VanSober VanSober 3110 Everyone has their own journey to sobriety—for some people, it's waking up one day and asking yourself 'why do I need to drink?' For others, it's a car crash and criminal charges. In this meeting of the Club Soda Club, Scott and Derek share what got them to sober up, the many failed attempts before that, finding gratitude for their darkest moments, and how this pandemic is fucking with our mental health. Also: HAPPY BIRTHDAY SCOTT! Everyone has their own journey to sobriety—for some people, it's waking up one day and asking yourself 'why do I need to drink?' For others, it's a car crash and criminal charges. In this meeting of the Club Soda Club, Scott and Derek share what got them sobriety, sober living, sober curious, wellness, No Club Soda Club Episode 14: Feels Like The First Time 14 14 Club Soda Club Episode 14: Feels Like The First Time full ba520002-8d28-4211-8bb0-bccde53c1ed1 https://share.transistor.fm/s/e91fc02c Another week in isolation, and the club is feeling nostalgic. Scott talks about how his routine remains largely interrupted, Derek shares how he drove halfway across the country to visit his dying grandfather, and they both share their stories of the first time they remember getting drunk, how it made them feel, and the enduring lessons they learned from those early days of drinking. Also: teenage self-loathing, sober strip club visits, sober home brewing, and serving as sober role models for the youths.

Recommendations:


Developing your own film at home

Everyone else is doing it: bake some sourdough bread


Note: nothing in this podcast is intended to be a replacement for medical or professional advice. If you, or someone you care about, is suffering from addiction or substance abuse, visit one of the confidential, non-judgmental resources below:


The Recovery Village Hotline

Health Canada Substance Use Resources

The Alcohol Addiction Center Resource Page

]]> Another week in isolation, and the club is feeling nostalgic. Scott talks about how his routine remains largely interrupted, Derek shares how he drove halfway across the country to visit his dying grandfather, and they both share their stories of the first time they remember getting drunk, how it made them feel, and the enduring lessons they learned from those early days of drinking. Also: teenage self-loathing, sober strip club visits, sober home brewing, and serving as sober role models for the youths.

Recommendations:


Developing your own film at home

Everyone else is doing it: bake some sourdough bread


Note: nothing in this podcast is intended to be a replacement for medical or professional advice. If you, or someone you care about, is suffering from addiction or substance abuse, visit one of the confidential, non-judgmental resources below:


The Recovery Village Hotline

Health Canada Substance Use Resources

The Alcohol Addiction Center Resource Page

]]> Wed, 13 May 2020 05:00:00 -0700 VanSober VanSober 2761 Another week in isolation, and the club is feeling nostalgic. Scott talks about how his routine remains largely interrupted, Derek shares how he drove halfway across the country to visit his dying grandfather, and they both share their stories of the first time they remember getting drunk, how it made them feel, and the enduring lessons they learned from those early days of drinking. Another week in isolation, and the club is feeling nostalgic. Scott talks about how his routine remains largely interrupted, Derek shares how he drove halfway across the country to visit his dying grandfather, and they both share their stories of the firs sobriety, sober living, sober curious, wellness, No Club Soda Club Episode 13: Social Isolation Club 13 13 Club Soda Club Episode 13: Social Isolation Club full bfc3bf8a-0337-4765-8f23-231a63514c4a https://share.transistor.fm/s/e8594ca6 What is there left to do when every possible distraction from yourself has been stripped away? After an extended hiatus, Scott and Derek are back to discuss, in great detail, about how they’re managing being stuck at home just like everyone else. How sobriety set us up to cope with a pandemic, the dark side of socially isolated drinking, the long term effects of drinking to cope, why we need to start seeing alcohol abuse as a public health crisis, and how this situation has made everyone a little more empathetic and vulnerable.


Recommendations:


The After Party

VanSober

The Hangover Free Club: Free Virtual Sober Gatherings

The Phoenix Virtual Programming

Dune

Bojack Horseman


Note: nothing in this podcast is intended to be a replacement for medical or professional advice. If you, or someone you care about, is suffering from addiction or substance abuse, visit one of the confidential, non-judgmental resources below:


The Recovery Village Hotline

Health Canada Substance Use Resources

The Alcohol Addiction Center Resource Page

]]> What is there left to do when every possible distraction from yourself has been stripped away? After an extended hiatus, Scott and Derek are back to discuss, in great detail, about how they’re managing being stuck at home just like everyone else. How sobriety set us up to cope with a pandemic, the dark side of socially isolated drinking, the long term effects of drinking to cope, why we need to start seeing alcohol abuse as a public health crisis, and how this situation has made everyone a little more empathetic and vulnerable.


Recommendations:


The After Party

VanSober

The Hangover Free Club: Free Virtual Sober Gatherings

The Phoenix Virtual Programming

Dune

Bojack Horseman


Note: nothing in this podcast is intended to be a replacement for medical or professional advice. If you, or someone you care about, is suffering from addiction or substance abuse, visit one of the confidential, non-judgmental resources below:


The Recovery Village Hotline

Health Canada Substance Use Resources

The Alcohol Addiction Center Resource Page

]]> Tue, 28 Apr 2020 22:30:00 -0700 VanSober VanSober 3346 What is there left to do when every possible distraction from yourself has been stripped away? After an extended hiatus, Scott and Derek are back to discuss, in great detail, about how they’re managing being stuck at home just like everyone else. How sobriety set us up to cope with a pandemic, the dark side of socially isolated drinking, the long term effects of drinking to cope, why we need to start seeing alcohol abuse as a public health crisis, and how this situation has made everyone a little more empathetic and vulnerable. What is there left to do when every possible distraction from yourself has been stripped away? After an extended hiatus, Scott and Derek are back to discuss, in great detail, about how they’re managing being stuck at home just like everyone else. How sobr sobriety, sober living, sober curious, wellness, No Club Soda Club Episode 12: Sober Lovin' 12 12 Club Soda Club Episode 12: Sober Lovin' full 1761ff98-e2c8-4282-9b8f-a5f784766ab9 https://share.transistor.fm/s/48217027 Valentine's Day is around the corner and love is in the air, so we welcome new official cohost Big Kate of The Soberkates, take the opportunity to look at alcohol as a substitute for intimacy, how drinking impacted our own romantic histories, the vast difference between how men and women process drunken hookups, the grey area of drunk consent, codependency, sex and vulnerability, sober dating and the benefits of dating someone who is also sober, Derek and Kate talk about THEIR relationship, overcoming a fear of sober sex, drunk food when sober, and sober date alternatives.


Recommendations:


The Soberkates

VanSober

Where Should We Begin

How to Figure Out What You Want In a Relationship

The Deep V with Casey Jo


Note: nothing in this podcast is intended to be a replacement for medical or professional advice. If you, or someone you care about, is suffering from addiction or substance abuse, visit one of the confidential, non-judgmental resources below:


The Recovery Village Hotline

Health Canada Substance Use Resources

The Alcohol Addiction Center Resource Page


]]> Valentine's Day is around the corner and love is in the air, so we welcome new official cohost Big Kate of The Soberkates, take the opportunity to look at alcohol as a substitute for intimacy, how drinking impacted our own romantic histories, the vast difference between how men and women process drunken hookups, the grey area of drunk consent, codependency, sex and vulnerability, sober dating and the benefits of dating someone who is also sober, Derek and Kate talk about THEIR relationship, overcoming a fear of sober sex, drunk food when sober, and sober date alternatives.


Recommendations:


The Soberkates

VanSober

Where Should We Begin

How to Figure Out What You Want In a Relationship

The Deep V with Casey Jo


Note: nothing in this podcast is intended to be a replacement for medical or professional advice. If you, or someone you care about, is suffering from addiction or substance abuse, visit one of the confidential, non-judgmental resources below:


The Recovery Village Hotline

Health Canada Substance Use Resources

The Alcohol Addiction Center Resource Page


]]> Tue, 11 Feb 2020 05:05:00 -0800 VanSober VanSober 4296 Valentine's Day is around the corner and love is in the air! We welcome new OFFICIAL cohost Big Kate of The Soberkates to discuss alcohol as a substitute for intimacy, how drinking impacted our own romantic histories, the vast difference between how men and women process drunken hookups, the grey area of drunk consent, codependency, sex and vulnerability, sober dating and the benefits of dating someone who is also sober, overcoming a fear of sober sex, drunk food when sober, and sober date alternatives. Valentine's Day is around the corner and love is in the air! We welcome new OFFICIAL cohost Big Kate of The Soberkates to discuss alcohol as a substitute for intimacy, how drinking impacted our own romantic histories, the vast difference between how men a sobriety, sober living, sober curious, wellness, No Club Soda Club Episode 11: The Pink Cloud and Maintaining Sobriety feat. Big Kate of The Soberkates 11 11 Club Soda Club Episode 11: The Pink Cloud and Maintaining Sobriety feat. Big Kate of The Soberkates full bdcfa5ed-8aff-4fe9-95c8-c524ccc0e43f https://share.transistor.fm/s/0c73f532 Just in time for your new year's resolutions, we're joined by the amazing Big Kate of Philadelphia's The Soberkates to discuss her journey to sobriety, the 'pink cloud' of early sobriety, realistic strategies for maintaining sobriety long term, the self-improvement journey that often accompanies sobriety, why it's not easy to become a yoga teacher, sober influencer culture, addiction transference, everyone needs therapy, when self-improvement becomes compulsive, and how to take your Dry January through 2020 and beyond.

Recommendations:


Follow The Soberkates

Also VanSober

The Pink Cloud of Early Sobriety

Baba’s Bucha

Attached: The New Science of Adult Attachment


Note: nothing in this podcast is intended to be a replacement for medical or professional advice. If you, or someone you care about, is suffering from addiction or substance abuse, visit one of the confidential, non-judgmental resources below:


The Recovery Village Hotline

Health Canada Substance Use Resources

The Alcohol Addiction Center Resource Page

]]> Just in time for your new year's resolutions, we're joined by the amazing Big Kate of Philadelphia's The Soberkates to discuss her journey to sobriety, the 'pink cloud' of early sobriety, realistic strategies for maintaining sobriety long term, the self-improvement journey that often accompanies sobriety, why it's not easy to become a yoga teacher, sober influencer culture, addiction transference, everyone needs therapy, when self-improvement becomes compulsive, and how to take your Dry January through 2020 and beyond.

Recommendations:


Follow The Soberkates

Also VanSober

The Pink Cloud of Early Sobriety

Baba’s Bucha

Attached: The New Science of Adult Attachment


Note: nothing in this podcast is intended to be a replacement for medical or professional advice. If you, or someone you care about, is suffering from addiction or substance abuse, visit one of the confidential, non-judgmental resources below:


The Recovery Village Hotline

Health Canada Substance Use Resources

The Alcohol Addiction Center Resource Page

]]> Thu, 16 Jan 2020 05:00:00 -0800 VanSober VanSober 2716 Just in time for your new year's resolutions, we're joined by the amazing Big Kate of Philadelphia's The Soberkates to discuss her journey to sobriety, the 'pink cloud' of early sobriety, realistic strategies for maintaining sobriety long term, the self-improvement journey that often accompanies sobriety, why it's not easy to become a yoga teacher, sober influencer culture, addiction transference, everyone needs therapy, when self-improvement becomes compulsive, and how to take your Dry January through 2020 and beyond. Just in time for your new year's resolutions, we're joined by the amazing Big Kate of Philadelphia's The Soberkates to discuss her journey to sobriety, the 'pink cloud' of early sobriety, realistic strategies for maintaining sobriety long term, the self-i sobriety, sober living, sober curious, wellness, No Club Soda Club Episode 10: Sour Grapes: The Rise of Wine Mom Culture 10 10 Club Soda Club Episode 10: Sour Grapes: The Rise of Wine Mom Culture full 5779d8ea-bb49-4f67-b3c7-f3d040def264 https://share.transistor.fm/s/f24ab3b0 ‘Wine mom’ culture is suddenly everywhere—but is it a healthy outlet for socially isolated mothers, or a cynical marketing ploy by alcohol advertisers? We’re joined by newly sober new mom Julie Robertson to discuss the inherent sexism in wine mom critiques, drinking habits for new moms and dads, the community role in raising children, healthy outlets for parenting stress, why problematic drinking is on the rise with women, alcohol as part of ‘wellness’ culture, gender roles in parenting, and a whole lot of other meaty stuff on the intersection of alcohol and family.


Recommendations:


When IPA Goes NA: Hairless Dog Brewing Aims for Craft Beer With Zero Alcohol

The Gravy Train

HopTea is delicious

American Cultures Kombucha Taproom
Join the official VanSober Meetup group - our first meetup is November 26th!

Note: nothing in this podcast is intended to be a replacement for medical or professional advice. If you, or someone you care about, is suffering from addiction or substance abuse, visit one of the confidential, non-judgmental resources below:


The Recovery Village Hotline

Health Canada Substance Use Resources

The Alcohol Addiction Center Resource Page

]]> ‘Wine mom’ culture is suddenly everywhere—but is it a healthy outlet for socially isolated mothers, or a cynical marketing ploy by alcohol advertisers? We’re joined by newly sober new mom Julie Robertson to discuss the inherent sexism in wine mom critiques, drinking habits for new moms and dads, the community role in raising children, healthy outlets for parenting stress, why problematic drinking is on the rise with women, alcohol as part of ‘wellness’ culture, gender roles in parenting, and a whole lot of other meaty stuff on the intersection of alcohol and family.


Recommendations:


When IPA Goes NA: Hairless Dog Brewing Aims for Craft Beer With Zero Alcohol

The Gravy Train

HopTea is delicious

American Cultures Kombucha Taproom
Join the official VanSober Meetup group - our first meetup is November 26th!

Note: nothing in this podcast is intended to be a replacement for medical or professional advice. If you, or someone you care about, is suffering from addiction or substance abuse, visit one of the confidential, non-judgmental resources below:


The Recovery Village Hotline

Health Canada Substance Use Resources

The Alcohol Addiction Center Resource Page

]]> Thu, 14 Nov 2019 05:05:00 -0800 VanSober VanSober 3611 ‘Wine mom’ culture is suddenly everywhere—but is it a healthy outlet for socially isolated mothers, or a cynical marketing ploy by alcohol advertisers? We’re joined by newly sober new mom Julie Robertson to discuss the inherent sexism in wine mom critiques, drinking habits for new moms and dads, the community role in raising children, healthy outlets for parenting stress, why problematic drinking is on the rise with women, alcohol as part of ‘wellness’ culture, gender roles in parenting, and a whole lot of other meaty stuff on the intersection of alcohol and family. ‘Wine mom’ culture is suddenly everywhere—but is it a healthy outlet for socially isolated mothers, or a cynical marketing ploy by alcohol advertisers? We’re joined by newly sober new mom Julie Robertson to discuss the inherent sexism in wine mom critique sobriety, sober living, sober curious, wellness, No Club Soda Club Episode 9: Dealing With Drunks 9 9 Club Soda Club Episode 9: Dealing With Drunks full 5996e2ed-3df4-4ba3-ae2c-9c5317e63ee7 https://share.transistor.fm/s/07c1b965 Into every sober person's life, a few drunk people must fall. In this episode, the Club Soda Gang (including Jess!) discuss the joys of driving home early, the Irish Goodbye, withholding judgment on those who continue to drink, tips for extricating yourself from drunk people, and more. Also: bacteria pancakes, Star Wars (because Scott), and Jess shares a VERY long-winded story about a haircut.

Recommendations:

The Avett Brothers - Closer Than Together
Making your own kombucha
I Met The Woman of My Dreams, and She Lives 2,400 Miles Away (The Gottman Institute)

Note: nothing in this podcast is intended to be a replacement for medical or professional advice. If you, or someone you care about, is suffering from addiction or substance abuse, visit one of the confidential, non-judgmental resources below:


The Recovery Village Hotline

Health Canada Substance Use Resources

The Alcohol Addiction Center Resource Page

]]> Into every sober person's life, a few drunk people must fall. In this episode, the Club Soda Gang (including Jess!) discuss the joys of driving home early, the Irish Goodbye, withholding judgment on those who continue to drink, tips for extricating yourself from drunk people, and more. Also: bacteria pancakes, Star Wars (because Scott), and Jess shares a VERY long-winded story about a haircut.

Recommendations:

The Avett Brothers - Closer Than Together
Making your own kombucha
I Met The Woman of My Dreams, and She Lives 2,400 Miles Away (The Gottman Institute)

Note: nothing in this podcast is intended to be a replacement for medical or professional advice. If you, or someone you care about, is suffering from addiction or substance abuse, visit one of the confidential, non-judgmental resources below:


The Recovery Village Hotline

Health Canada Substance Use Resources

The Alcohol Addiction Center Resource Page

]]> Thu, 31 Oct 2019 05:00:00 -0700 VanSober VanSober 2973 Into every sober person's life, a few drunk people must fall. In this episode, the Club Soda Gang (including Jess!) discuss the joys of driving home early, the Irish Goodbye, withholding judgment, Into every sober person's life, a few drunk people must fall. In this episode, the Club Soda Gang (including Jess!) discuss the joys of driving home early, the Irish Goodbye, withholding judgment, sobriety, sober living, sober curious, wellness, No Club Soda Club Episode 8: Alcohol: Not Safe For Work 8 8 Club Soda Club Episode 8: Alcohol: Not Safe For Work full f3b8a4a2-e29c-48b2-8429-9d55a2031007 https://share.transistor.fm/s/71fac04f Alcohol contributes to many things, but we can conclusively say that 'professionalism' is not one of them. So why is drinking so entrenched in North American work culture? On a Jess-less episode, Scott and Derek discuss alcohol abuse in the workplace, drunken office party mishaps, whether sobriety is a career-limiting move, drinking for work travel, how workplaces can accommodate healthier lifestyle choices, drinking isn't as fun as you remember (unless you remember it isn't fun).


Recommendations:


CheckingIn, an app for self awareness

1619, a podcast about American history


Note: nothing in this podcast is intended to be a replacement for medical or professional advice. If you, or someone you care about, is suffering from addiction or substance abuse, visit one of the confidential, non-judgmental resources below:


The Recovery Village Hotline

Health Canada Substance Use Resources

The Alcohol Addiction Center Resource Page

]]> Alcohol contributes to many things, but we can conclusively say that 'professionalism' is not one of them. So why is drinking so entrenched in North American work culture? On a Jess-less episode, Scott and Derek discuss alcohol abuse in the workplace, drunken office party mishaps, whether sobriety is a career-limiting move, drinking for work travel, how workplaces can accommodate healthier lifestyle choices, drinking isn't as fun as you remember (unless you remember it isn't fun).


Recommendations:


CheckingIn, an app for self awareness

1619, a podcast about American history


Note: nothing in this podcast is intended to be a replacement for medical or professional advice. If you, or someone you care about, is suffering from addiction or substance abuse, visit one of the confidential, non-judgmental resources below:


The Recovery Village Hotline

Health Canada Substance Use Resources

The Alcohol Addiction Center Resource Page

]]> Thu, 26 Sep 2019 05:00:00 -0700 VanSober VanSober 3128 Alcohol contributes to many things, but we can conclusively say that 'professionalism' is not one of them. So why is drinking so entrenched in North American work culture? On a Jess-less episode, Scott and Derek discuss alcohol abuse in the workplace, drunken office party mishaps, whether sobriety is a career-limiting move, drinking for work travel, how workplaces can accommodate healthier lifestyle choices, drinking isn't as fun as you remember (unless you remember it isn't fun). Alcohol contributes to many things, but we can conclusively say that 'professionalism' is not one of them. So why is drinking so entrenched in North American work culture? On a Jess-less episode, Scott and Derek discuss alcohol abuse in the workplace, dru sobriety, sober living, sober curious, wellness, No Club Soda Club Episode 7: The Sobriety So Far 7 7 Club Soda Club Episode 7: The Sobriety So Far full 9d1008c5-b443-4b5e-8f50-a52cb94cc515 https://share.transistor.fm/s/52acef52 As three different people at varying stages of our sober journeys, we share our successes, our struggles, what makes someone an 'alcoholic', how we identify ourselves, our shifting addictions, our favorite non-alcoholic drinks, and where we see ourselves going next.


Recommendations:


Scott’s a dork

(For those of you who missed the reference, which I assume is everyone)

VanSober

The StopDrinking SubReddit

TikTok: Occasionally Entertaining

Chill Gaming With Jess


Note: nothing in this podcast is intended to be a replacement for medical or professional advice. If you, or someone you care about, is suffering from addiction or substance abuse, visit one of the confidential, non-judgmental resources below:


The Recovery Village Hotline

Health Canada Substance Use Resources

The Alcohol Addiction Center Resource Page

]]> As three different people at varying stages of our sober journeys, we share our successes, our struggles, what makes someone an 'alcoholic', how we identify ourselves, our shifting addictions, our favorite non-alcoholic drinks, and where we see ourselves going next.


Recommendations:


Scott’s a dork

(For those of you who missed the reference, which I assume is everyone)

VanSober

The StopDrinking SubReddit

TikTok: Occasionally Entertaining

Chill Gaming With Jess


Note: nothing in this podcast is intended to be a replacement for medical or professional advice. If you, or someone you care about, is suffering from addiction or substance abuse, visit one of the confidential, non-judgmental resources below:


The Recovery Village Hotline

Health Canada Substance Use Resources

The Alcohol Addiction Center Resource Page

]]> Thu, 05 Sep 2019 05:05:00 -0700 VanSober VanSober 3074 As three different people at varying stages of our sober journeys, we share our successes, our struggles, what makes someone an 'alcoholic', how we identify ourselves, our shifting addictions, our favorite non-alcoholic drinks, and where we see ourselves going next. As three different people at varying stages of our sober journeys, we share our successes, our struggles, what makes someone an 'alcoholic', how we identify ourselves, our shifting addictions, our favorite non-alcoholic drinks, and where we see ourselves sobriety, sober living, sober curious, wellness, No Club Soda Club Episode 6: A Wedding Party 6 6 Club Soda Club Episode 6: A Wedding Party full 82d350e6-1f2a-4ce9-9221-30b94d457632 https://share.transistor.fm/s/ab247962 It’s wedding szn, baby! Weddings are a fact of life for...basically everyone, and yet they can be especially daunting for the newly sober. Scott rejoins us this week to discuss our worst drunk wedding experiences, how we’ve navigated weddings without alcohol, dancing like no one is watching, could an all-sober wedding be in the cards for one of our hosts, and more!

Note: nothing in this podcast is intended to be a replacement for medical or professional advice. If you, or someone you care about, is suffering from addiction or substance abuse, visit one of the confidential, non-judgmental resources below:


The Recovery Village Hotline

Health Canada Substance Use Resources

The Alcohol Addiction Center Resource Page


Recommended:


Restaurant recommendations: The Union/Market by Jean-Georges

Cuz I Love You by Lizzo

A Dream About Lightning Bugs by Ben Folds



]]> It’s wedding szn, baby! Weddings are a fact of life for...basically everyone, and yet they can be especially daunting for the newly sober. Scott rejoins us this week to discuss our worst drunk wedding experiences, how we’ve navigated weddings without alcohol, dancing like no one is watching, could an all-sober wedding be in the cards for one of our hosts, and more!

Note: nothing in this podcast is intended to be a replacement for medical or professional advice. If you, or someone you care about, is suffering from addiction or substance abuse, visit one of the confidential, non-judgmental resources below:


The Recovery Village Hotline

Health Canada Substance Use Resources

The Alcohol Addiction Center Resource Page


Recommended:


Restaurant recommendations: The Union/Market by Jean-Georges

Cuz I Love You by Lizzo

A Dream About Lightning Bugs by Ben Folds



]]> Thu, 22 Aug 2019 05:00:00 -0700 VanSober VanSober 3318 It’s wedding szn, baby! Weddings are a fact of life for...basically everyone, and yet they can be especially daunting for the newly sober. Scott rejoins us this week to discuss our worst drunk wedding experiences, how we’ve navigated weddings without alcohol, dancing like no one is watching, could an all-sober wedding be in the cards for one of our hosts, and more! It’s wedding szn, baby! Weddings are a fact of life for...basically everyone, and yet they can be especially daunting for the newly sober. Scott rejoins us this week to discuss our worst drunk wedding experiences, how we’ve navigated weddings without alco sobriety, sober living, sober curious, wellness, No Club Soda Club Episode 5: Portrait of a Family 5 5 Club Soda Club Episode 5: Portrait of a Family full faaf64f3-5611-4cbf-a0d2-2e84c32026a6 https://share.transistor.fm/s/87312adb When it comes to the people around you profoundly impacted by alcoholism and addiction, none ranks higher than family. Derek contrasts his experience as a child in a house where alcohol was always present with his experience as a drunk and then sober parent. Jess opens up about the family she grew up in, why she emancipated herself when she was 17, and how she's been able to pull herself up to where she is today. Also: is kombucha alcoholic? Codependency, family trauma, boundary-setting, video games, this episode has it ALL.

Note: nothing in this podcast is intended to be a replacement for medical or professional advice. If you, or someone you care about, is suffering from addiction or substance abuse, visit one of the confidential, non-judgmental resources below:


The Recovery Village Hotline

Health Canada Substance Use Resources

The Alcohol Addiction Center Resource Page


Recommended:

Stardew Valley
Sans Bar
#BoozelessATX
The Angry Therapist: No BS With Vanessa Bennett

]]> When it comes to the people around you profoundly impacted by alcoholism and addiction, none ranks higher than family. Derek contrasts his experience as a child in a house where alcohol was always present with his experience as a drunk and then sober parent. Jess opens up about the family she grew up in, why she emancipated herself when she was 17, and how she's been able to pull herself up to where she is today. Also: is kombucha alcoholic? Codependency, family trauma, boundary-setting, video games, this episode has it ALL.

Note: nothing in this podcast is intended to be a replacement for medical or professional advice. If you, or someone you care about, is suffering from addiction or substance abuse, visit one of the confidential, non-judgmental resources below:


The Recovery Village Hotline

Health Canada Substance Use Resources

The Alcohol Addiction Center Resource Page


Recommended:

Stardew Valley
Sans Bar
#BoozelessATX
The Angry Therapist: No BS With Vanessa Bennett

]]> Thu, 01 Aug 2019 05:00:00 -0700 VanSober VanSober 4391 When it comes to the people around you profoundly impacted by alcoholism and addiction, none ranks higher than family. Derek contrasts his experience as a child in a house where alcohol was always present with his experience as a drunk and then sober parent. Jess opens up about the family she grew up in, why she emancipated herself when she was 17, and how she's been able to pull herself up to where she is today. Also: is kombucha alcoholic? Codependency, family trauma, boundary-setting, video games, this episode has it ALL. When it comes to the people around you profoundly impacted by alcoholism and addiction, none ranks higher than family. Derek contrasts his experience as a child in a house where alcohol was always present with his experience as a drunk and then sober pare sobriety, sober living, sober curious, wellness, No Club Soda Club Episode 4: Sailing the Relationship 4 4 Club Soda Club Episode 4: Sailing the Relationship full 58d39724-d353-48af-a548-f00d6a5a181a https://share.transistor.fm/s/77613a75 Romantic relationships are a complex thing to navigate at the best of times—so how are we doing it sober? We look at how we're showing up differently in our relationships since sobering up, kombucha as a romantic gesture, the many roles that alcohol plays in relationships, tips for dating a drinker if you're sober, the benefits of dating a fellow sober person, how sobering up helps build authentic relationships, and how alcohol either directly or indirectly contributed to our previous relationships ending.

Note: nothing in this podcast is intended to be a replacement for medical or professional advice. If you, or someone you care about, is suffering from addiction or substance abuse, visit one of the confidential, non-judgmental resources below:


The Recovery Village Hotline

Health Canada Substance Use Resources

The Alcohol Addiction Center Resource Page


Recommended:

Wanderers by Chuck Wendig
Follow Chuck on Twitter
Get Randomly Inspired
Take a trip down the zero-view YouTube wormhole
How well do you really know your partner?
If you answered the previous question 'not well', here's the solution
Follow The Soberkates

]]> Romantic relationships are a complex thing to navigate at the best of times—so how are we doing it sober? We look at how we're showing up differently in our relationships since sobering up, kombucha as a romantic gesture, the many roles that alcohol plays in relationships, tips for dating a drinker if you're sober, the benefits of dating a fellow sober person, how sobering up helps build authentic relationships, and how alcohol either directly or indirectly contributed to our previous relationships ending.

Note: nothing in this podcast is intended to be a replacement for medical or professional advice. If you, or someone you care about, is suffering from addiction or substance abuse, visit one of the confidential, non-judgmental resources below:


The Recovery Village Hotline

Health Canada Substance Use Resources

The Alcohol Addiction Center Resource Page


Recommended:

Wanderers by Chuck Wendig
Follow Chuck on Twitter
Get Randomly Inspired
Take a trip down the zero-view YouTube wormhole
How well do you really know your partner?
If you answered the previous question 'not well', here's the solution
Follow The Soberkates

]]> Thu, 18 Jul 2019 05:00:00 -0700 VanSober VanSober 2995 Romantic relationships are a complex thing to navigate at the best of times—so how are we doing it sober? We look at how we're showing up differently in our relationships since sobering up, kombucha as a romantic gesture, the many roles that alcohol plays in relationships, tips for dating a drinker if you're sober, the benefits of dating a fellow sober person, how sobering up helps build authentic relationships, and how alcohol either directly or indirectly contributed to our previous relationships ending. Romantic relationships are a complex thing to navigate at the best of times—so how are we doing it sober? We look at how we're showing up differently in our relationships since sobering up, kombucha as a romantic gesture, the many roles that alcohol plays sobriety, sober living, sober curious, wellness, No Club Soda Club Episode 3: Have Soda, Will Travel 3 3 Club Soda Club Episode 3: Have Soda, Will Travel full 51fd5040-d545-4457-b660-977397dac8b9 https://share.transistor.fm/s/b8a11d32 Note: nothing in this podcast is intended to be a replacement for medical or professional advice. If you, or someone you care about, is suffering from addiction or substance abuse, visit one of the confidential, non-judgmental resources below:


The Recovery Village Hotline

Health Canada Substance Use Resources

The Alcohol Addiction Center Resource Page


Recommended:


The Art of Noticing (book): https://www.amazon.ca/Art-Noticing-Creativity-Inspiration-Discover/dp/0525521240 

Big Lebowski bar in Portland (with kombucha on tap): http://www.biglegrowlski.com/ 

Mocktails in Washington D.C.: https://dc.eater.com/maps/fresh-mocktails-bars-restaurants

Roadside America: https://www.roadsideamerica.com/

Atlas Obscura: https://www.atlasobscura.com/

]]> Note: nothing in this podcast is intended to be a replacement for medical or professional advice. If you, or someone you care about, is suffering from addiction or substance abuse, visit one of the confidential, non-judgmental resources below:


The Recovery Village Hotline

Health Canada Substance Use Resources

The Alcohol Addiction Center Resource Page


Recommended:


The Art of Noticing (book): https://www.amazon.ca/Art-Noticing-Creativity-Inspiration-Discover/dp/0525521240 

Big Lebowski bar in Portland (with kombucha on tap): http://www.biglegrowlski.com/ 

Mocktails in Washington D.C.: https://dc.eater.com/maps/fresh-mocktails-bars-restaurants

Roadside America: https://www.roadsideamerica.com/

Atlas Obscura: https://www.atlasobscura.com/

]]> Wed, 03 Jul 2019 08:20:00 -0700 VanSober VanSober 2247 Jess is fresh back from her first sober travel experience, and the lads contrast booze-centered travelling with travel-centered travelling. Also: all-inclusives, mocktail crawls, the saddest fried chicken story you’ve ever heard, sober travel tips, and wacky tourist attractions. Jess is fresh back from her first sober travel experience, and the lads contrast booze-centered travelling with travel-centered travelling. Also: all-inclusives, mocktail crawls, the saddest fried chicken story you’ve ever heard, sober travel tips, and wa sobriety, sober living, sober curious, wellness, No Club Soda Club Episode 2: Running Without the Devil 2 2 Club Soda Club Episode 2: Running Without the Devil full 4e10f7ef-482c-4073-b7ba-029684c5be7f https://share.transistor.fm/s/5c377bde What impact has sobriety had on our physical health? In short: it exists, now! Scott, Derek, and Jess discuss sobriety-related weight loss, drunk food for sober people, elevator mishaps, sober running, when alcohol culture and running culture collide and wellness apps.

Note: nothing in this podcast is intended to be a replacement for medical or professional advice. If you, or someone you care about, is suffering from addiction or substance abuse, visit one of the confidential, non-judgmental resources below:


The Recovery Village Hotline

Health Canada Substance Use Resources

The Alcohol Addiction Center Resource Page


Recommended:


Couch to 5k app: http://www.c25kfree.com

Meditation apps: Headspace
Unplug: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/unplug-guided-meditation/id1188080269

]]> What impact has sobriety had on our physical health? In short: it exists, now! Scott, Derek, and Jess discuss sobriety-related weight loss, drunk food for sober people, elevator mishaps, sober running, when alcohol culture and running culture collide and wellness apps.

Note: nothing in this podcast is intended to be a replacement for medical or professional advice. If you, or someone you care about, is suffering from addiction or substance abuse, visit one of the confidential, non-judgmental resources below:


The Recovery Village Hotline

Health Canada Substance Use Resources

The Alcohol Addiction Center Resource Page


Recommended:


Couch to 5k app: http://www.c25kfree.com

Meditation apps: Headspace
Unplug: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/unplug-guided-meditation/id1188080269

]]> Wed, 03 Jul 2019 07:30:00 -0700 VanSober VanSober 2548 What impact has sobriety had on our physical health? In short: it exists, now! Scott, Derek, and Jess discuss sobriety-related weight loss, drunk food for sober people, elevator mishaps, sober running, when alcohol culture and running culture collide and wellness apps. What impact has sobriety had on our physical health? In short: it exists, now! Scott, Derek, and Jess discuss sobriety-related weight loss, drunk food for sober people, elevator mishaps, sober running, when alcohol culture and running culture collide and sobriety, sober living, sober curious, wellness, No Club Soda Club Episode 1: Meet the Club 1 1 Club Soda Club Episode 1: Meet the Club full 573ec66c-b764-46fc-9196-5b24aa5088ab https://share.transistor.fm/s/577fe41b In the inaugural meeting of the Club Soda Club, club members Jessica Couture, Derek Bolen, and Scott (indeterminate last name) share what led them to cut alcohol out of their lives. Also: anxiety hangovers, actual hangovers, the social stigma of abstaining from alcohol, healthy hobbies, therapy, and fitness.


Note: nothing in this podcast is intended to be a replacement for medical or professional advice. If you, or someone you care about, is suffering from addiction or substance abuse, visit one of the confidential, non-judgmental resources below:


The Recovery Village Hotline

Health Canada Substance Use Resources

The Alcohol Addiction Center Resource Page


Recommended:


Sugar Addiction in Sobriety—Why It Happens

John Kim - The Angry Therapist


]]> In the inaugural meeting of the Club Soda Club, club members Jessica Couture, Derek Bolen, and Scott (indeterminate last name) share what led them to cut alcohol out of their lives. Also: anxiety hangovers, actual hangovers, the social stigma of abstaining from alcohol, healthy hobbies, therapy, and fitness.


Note: nothing in this podcast is intended to be a replacement for medical or professional advice. If you, or someone you care about, is suffering from addiction or substance abuse, visit one of the confidential, non-judgmental resources below:


The Recovery Village Hotline

Health Canada Substance Use Resources

The Alcohol Addiction Center Resource Page


Recommended:


Sugar Addiction in Sobriety—Why It Happens

John Kim - The Angry Therapist


]]> Wed, 03 Jul 2019 07:00:00 -0700 VanSober VanSober 2813 In the inaugural meeting of the Club Soda Club, club members Jessica Couture, Derek Bolen, and Scott (indeterminate last name) share what led them to cut alcohol out of their lives. Also: anxiety hangovers, actual hangovers, the social stigma of abstaining from alcohol, healthy hobbies, therapy, and fitness. In the inaugural meeting of the Club Soda Club, club members Jessica Couture, Derek Bolen, and Scott (indeterminate last name) share what led them to cut alcohol out of their lives. Also: anxiety hangovers, actual hangovers, the social stigma of abstainin sobriety, sober living, sober curious, wellness, No