Dan Karaty If I'm Being Honest

When I opened up to the world, the world opened up right back to me.  Connection has been THE component, both personally and professionally, that has powered me forward since getting sober.  

Maybe they want us sick...or worse.  Why don't they prescribe exercise before pills?  Why do they allow the false advertising of alcohol?  Why don't they stop fentanyl from pouring into the country?  I want more answers.

Studies prove that exercise is the best medicine, but we don't need studies.  Personal experience is enough!  Move a Muscle - Change a Thought is real.  I don't care if you walk, run marathons, lift weights or do yoga, just do SOMETHING!

Forever, I was going to start tomorrow, or Monday, or next week.  When it came to giving up drinking, or working on that new show idea, or implementing the new workout program or eating regimen, I was always starting tomorrow.  Not anymore.  The power of making today THE day is undeniable.

"Give, but don't let it empty you."  For over six years, Fausto has been the Hope Dealer, spreading the message of sobriety anywhere and everywhere he possibly can.  But at what cost?  We talk a lot on this podcast about taking care of yourself, no matter how busy you are with work, family, or other outside circumstances.  Helping others, being of service, speaking at meetings, it's all important, but the inside work to recover and heal yourself must be ever-present.  Fausto gives a great deal of himself to the recovery community, but has hit a crossroads on his own journey and is shifting gears.  He's setting the Hope Dealer aside, and just Fausto is leaving for Bali, hopefully on a trip of self-discovery. 

My Super Bowl partying looks quite different than it used to, and I'm grateful for that fact.  Waking up feeling fresh and ready to go, having experienced the game and surrounding events with my kids and wife, and receiving a gentle reminder that I'm still an alcoholic and being okay with it.  Not to mention being humbled by my kids!

Getting sober doesn't magically fix all of your problems, but it does make you much more capable of dealing with them.  In a ten day period, Tim got the news that his daughters had been molested, his cousin had passed away, and his wife had cheated on him.  The man from years past would have hopped in the truck, hit the liquor store and numbed the pain, and sadly left the problems to fester.  Yet, in the face of this ugliness and adversity, Tim remained strong and sober, and dealt with this seemingly impossible flood of news and events.  I was shocked when he shared this on the podcast, and even more so when he explained his incredible perspective and reaction in the face of such difficulty.  I am beyond proud of my friend Tim.  Tim on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/tlodgen?igsh=MTdkbWh1NXBrN2o0dw==

Action needs to be taken.  Changes must be made.  What we're doing with treatment, services, and stopping the flow of drugs into this country is NOT working, and what's happening can no longer be ignored.  190 people overdose and die EVERYDAY in America.  That's equivalent to a 747 airplane.  Can you imagine if a 747 crashed EVERYDAY - can you imagine what the media coverage would be?  Running a treatment facility, tirelessly advocating for better treatment and services for addicts, working to install Narcan (emergency treatment for overdoses) into schools and other necessary facilities, and spreading an urgent message on fentanyl and its devastating affect on society are a few things that Flindt Andersen is focused on EVERYDAY.  He and I dive in on the inconvenient truths around all of these topics.

Focus on what you can control.  The day I stopped fixating on the news, social media posts, co-workers' habits, and other people's driving habits, I became much more free and positive.  Taylor Swift's takeover of the NFL has some people going mad!  Why?  She's made the NFL hundreds of millions of dollars in a matter of months.  She's not going anywhere.  Stop worrying about her and her boyfriend's antics and remind yourself of why you watch the games in the first place.

This is Jen Hirst - living by example for her kids, clients, and so many others that find her in their journey.  Despite no one knowing her deep, dark secret, she suffered from addiction for years, battling the exhaustion from keeping up the facade that everything was okay.  To say that removing alcohol has changed Jen's life is a ridiculous understatement.  Her willingness to share her 10 years of sober experiences, realizations and growth, and the manner in which she does so, makes it simple and attainable.  Jen asks basic questions, gives obvious answers, and reveals the better way forward.Find Jen...Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/jenleehirst?igsh=eDU2bm05ajJ0amEw Website:https://joinlighthousesobriety.com/about-1

Recently questioned by a man wondering if the life I live now is boring, I took a good look at how I spend my days.  For years, I feared a life without alcohol would be absent of any kind of enjoyment.  My conversation with this curious guy uncovered the truth.

After our first podcast together, Adam and I knew we had more to talk about.  And damn, we sure did.  I kicked things off by asking "now what?"  I'm almost three years sober, I've settled into this life, so "now what?"  What followed was a conversation about Fulfillment vs. Success, God, Perfectionism, Social Media, Doing Things We Don't Want to Do, Failure (fear of it), and believe me, there's even more.  When you put two high-energy, motivated Jersey boys on a podcast, this is what you get!Follow Adam:Website:https://adamjablin.com/Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/adamjablin?igsh=MmUxYjdqYXQ3M2gyFree Sober Curious course:https://members.adamjablin.com/linkinbio/?fbclid=PAAaYdeOLGAwZQ0QMCiOf0dHMxqKGgAVy6jWcB5nue5hYAgB6Bhegx_l4CDbw_aem_AQTJ9SlbxjkFPIsxby66QOE01vMgz3l6ejz9G_L7VAOP0GvocnZ0Pbgj-6RLlRr7fk8

After years of feeling subtle nudges towards a better life, Ashley finally got the message and gave up alcohol.  One year later, the positive changes are undeniable.  Less anxiety and brain fog, greater creativity, better relationships with her husband and colleagues, and obvious results from her workouts are just a few of the benefits from her sobriety.    Ashley's emotional dependency on alcohol stole joy from her life and work, and became an exhausting habit, but then she said it out loud, "I want to stop drinking."  She hasn't looked back since.If you're sober curious, this is a must listen!Follow Ashley:Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/coach_ashley88?igsh=c3UydjQxOXlzNXVzFacebook:https://www.facebook.com/FitCoachAshley?mibextid=LQQJ4dNewsletter:https://ashleyhowardllc.aweb.page/p/80b0dfee-0293-4d9e-af12-1e71898cb65f

If I was still drinking, my actions would haunt my kids and family for the rest of their lives.  What we do, our habits good and bad, our addictions, affect everyone around us...not just ourselves.  We have the ability to make changes, to set goals and make 2024 resolutions, and create our own better way of life while positively impacting all who come into contact with us.  Let's get after it!

Angie and her company, Eleat Sports Nutrition, work with some of the best professional  athletes in the world, but also with guys like me as I take on an Ironman or marathon.  They also work with people who are simply looking for a healthier lifestyle, maybe want to lose weight, or just want to feel better.  In this conversation, Angie talks to us about the importance of food on more than just our bodies, but on our minds as well.  The food we eat has a direct effect on our moods and mental health, and the energy we may or may not have throughout our day.  The best part is that changing our habits is not as daunting as you may think.  Angie breaks down how better eating habits are attainable with reasonable changes on a daily basis.  We don't need crazy diets with restrictions that are impossible to maintain.  Better health, mentally and physically, is possible with gradual eating and lifestyle habits.  Angie explains, so listen up.https://instagram.com/eleatnutrition?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA==

Sometimes you can actually feel a person's energy in the room.  And on rare occasions, you can feel it through the screen of your device.  That was the case with my special guest, Fausto Castellanos.  This man's desire to spread his message of hope, positivity and recovery is tangible and powerful.  He was always the life of the party, he's just throwing a different kind of party in sobriety.  Six years in recovery continue to help him grow and develop into the person he wants to be for himself and those around him.  Fausto's openness about his ongoing journey tells a story of recovery and growth, realization and humility, service and purpose.  Listen and feel Fausto's energy. 

Landon Brock's struggles and addiction left him homeless.  We're not talking about couch surfing with different friends homeless, but rather blisters on your feet, living on the street, stealing food from the grocery store to survive homeless.  His difficult childhood had him fantasizing about the life of a gangster like those he watched in movies, but reality tossed him into juvenile detention and eventually jail.  Hard to believe that this 6' 3", 250 pound nice guy was stuck in such a dark, hopeless place, but thanks to incredible support from loved ones and medication-assisted treatment, he's sharing his tough, raw, and powerful story with us.https://www.gladiatorskool.com/TikTok @balboabrock

I just ran the NYC Marathon and it put to work what I've learned in recovery.

Adam is leading the way in the addiction, recovery, and mental health communities, not only helping so many through tireless work, but by walking the walk and living by example.  The dad and entrepreneur is coaching and mentoring so many, building The Hero Project, running a 5k EVERYDAY, and still finds time to sit down with me to share his experience.  I need to run this back with Adam and try to shut up a little more next time so he can just talk, but I couldn't help but keep sharing in this conversation that I loved so much.  He's 17 years sober, and he attacked his recovery the only way he knows how, at 110%.  That's how he's wired, and he puts that same energy into everything he does every single day.  We all need some Adam in our lives.https://instagram.com/adamjablin?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA==https://adamjablin.com/

This is two guys in recovery shooting the shit on addiction, family, work, relapse, and quite a bit more.  Jason is a busy Dad trying to do right by his kids and family, the sober community as a whole, and for himself.  Our conversation went everywhere including non-alcoholic drinks, sex addiction,  journaling, and admitting a relapse or slip-up.  Let's go!-------Check-out Jason's podcasts:Knockin' Doorz Downhttps://instagram.com/knockindoorzdown?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==PAINhttps://instagram.com/painnonprofit?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

Michael had been checking the boxes of life.  He went to college, got a good job and got married, and had two beautiful children.  But then his script got a rewrite.  On July, 11, 2001, Michael was hit head-on by an SUV traveling at 40 mph while he was out training on his bike.  That became his Last Bad Day. Miraculously, he survived, but the long road to recovery wasn't without difficulties.  He was told "that all events in our lives are neutral until we label them."  Maybe his accident didn't happen to him, but for him.  Not long after, he began to change his perspective and mindset, started a daily mindfulness practice called Pause Breathe Reflect, and changed his life.https://instagram.com/pausebreathereflect?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

My book, If I'm Being Honest, is out and is resonating!  It's happening!  I offered an email address on the final page hoping some would reach out to connect and share their feelings, thoughts, stories, or whatever they were thinking after reading it.  Well, the emails keep coming and I couldn't be happier about it.  We are connecting!  In this episode I share part of an email I received and then I read the passage from the book being referred to in that email.  I have a lot of different aspirations for my book, but connecting with and possibly helping other is number one.  I love that people are reading it, and I love that they are moved to message me afterwards.  Let's keep it going!Book is available in the Netherlands and BelgiumBekijk If I'm Being Honest op: https://www.bol.com/nl/p/if-i-m-being-honest/9300000145370169?referrer=socialshare_pdp_iphoneappComing soon to U.S. and beyond.

How do you feel about your age?  Younger, struggling me constantly worried that I was running out of time, that I was missing my chance.  Sober, grateful me feels like I have plenty of time, and my days are fulfilling and accomplished.  Not to mention, I'm doing Ironmans, running marathons, and God knows what else.  Ty said "age is nothing but a number," but 47 is my number, and I'm okay with it.

Meet Katie Wood.  You're welcome.  She is awesome!  Katie and I spent the majority of our conversation discussing gratitude - practicing, showing, teaching gratitude.  She hit me with this one: "It's impossible to be angry and grateful at the same time.  Gratitude helped me find peace, it helped me center myself."  Our conversation took off from there and covered all the ways gratitude, and sometimes lack of it, has played a role in our lives.  Katie's incredible  book, A Simple Seed, which is a journal, is a road map for kids and their parents to explore gratitude together.  It teaches kids how to set the tone for their day, and how to live with this wonderfully positive, growth mindset.  The work in the book also guides children and their parents into deeper, more meaningful conversations and offers the opportunity to build a greater bond and understanding.  I could go on for days, so just listen!  This is an important one!https://simpleseedjournal.com

Sometimes I feel like we are just scratching the surface in treating people for addiction, trauma and beyond.  And quite often, I get frustrated with what I would call the big Pharma, and dare I say, unethical approach to treatment.  Ibogaine may be the future in treatment for addiction, PTSD, trauma, depression and more.  The use of psychedelics in general continues to advance and grow, and with ibogaine in particular, based on its success rate in treatment, deserves more attention and merit.  Tom Feegel's ibogaine treatment clinic, Beond, is at the forefront of medical and ethical psychedelic-assisted and behavioral therapy.  Tom shares his personal story of recovery, and his path to discovering ibogaine and building Beond.  https://www.beond.us/https://instagram.com/beond.us?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

My book, my full story, If I'm Being Honest, is in stores and available for all to read, and it's a little scary.  It's the one place you can learn about and follow my entire journey, be in my hotel room, sitting at the bar next to me, in my home, and understand what happened.  The writing of the book began in rehab as I started to put some pieces of my life together, and continued as the puzzle took shape in the months afterward.  I dug through my past, my childhood and family, my career both behind the stars and on camera, my relationships, and ultimately into my years as a husband and father, and what role my addiction played throughout.  The writing of this book was a form of therapy for me, and I hope reading it will help others too. 

My nephew, Ty, is BACK and ready to discuss our favorite time of year - FALL!  Yes, we love the weather and the leaves changing colors, but what we're really ready for is FOOTBALL!  The question is, at what point did I allow my love of the game to be taken over by my obsession with drinking?  We all have sports, hobbies, and/or habits that we associate with different times of the year and ritualistic actions, but why did I start associating a favorite sport of mine with boozing?  And why did Ty allow an unhealthy desire to gamble to steal the joy of the game from him?  Whether you love football, futbol, or another sport or hobby, what did you associate it with when growing up?  What about now?  Why?

It's conversations like this one that remind me how lucky I am to connect with people through this podcast.  Charlie is an incredible human with a powerful recovery journey to share, but he's so much more than that.  Our time spent talking covered life's interesting paths, humility, character, and the fact that we don't need to get rid of our addictive nature, we need to treat it as the superpower that it is and point it in the right direction.  Charlie really let me in and got personal, and offered so much experience and wisdom toward living.  What happens to us is far less important than what we do about it.https://instagram.com/charlieengle?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

Imagine your son is going blind from an incurable disease.  You're literally racing the clock in hopes of finding a cure, and at the same time, giving him every experience imaginable while he can still see.  Steve Johnston is a man on a mission, still working to make a living, fundraising for a clinical trial, being a Dad, and taking on challenges like an IRONMAN to raise money and be an example to his son.  This is adversity.  This is a Dad vs. Blindness.https://araceagainstblindness.orgSteve Johnston, MD | Man on a mission (@dad.vs.blindness) • Instagram photos and videos

Alcoholism and addiction DO NOT DISCRIMINATE!  Yankees pitcher, Domingo German, was just placed in an inpatient facility for alcohol abuse.  Surprising?  Yes.  Especially considering he just threw a perfect game a few weeks earlier.  A Perfect Game!  It's a not so subtle reminder that alcoholism and addiction are not only suffered by the down on his luck guy brown bagging it on the corner.  It affects our moms and dads, our neighbors, "successful" business people, and stars on television.  

Dr. Robb's passion and energy for recovery is undeniable, and his refusal to sugar coat his thoughts on what alcoholics and addicts must deal with to recover is refreshing while in your face.  The depths of his own battle with alcohol will shock and sadden you. His flexing, both literally and figuratively, on what he has uncovered and accomplished will at least make you think, at most make some changes.  Dr. Robb Kelly's treatment center has a 97% success rate...97%!  You may or may not agree with everything you hear from Robb, but you must be willing to listen, then decide. https://robbkelly.com/https://theneuroheroconference.com/https://instagram.com/neurohero2023?igshid=MzNlNGNkZWQ4Mg==https://m.facebook.com/groups/1027987721911526/?ref=share&mibextid=NSMWBThttps://www.linkedin.com/in/the-neuro-hero-conference-90a7b0284https://twitter.com/neuro_hero

With 16 years of sobriety under her belt, but only recently being more open about it, Hilary has a tremendous amount of experience to share with all who are ready to listen. At 15 years sober, she decided she "no longer had the luxury to stay silent" and started telling people, especially women, that it's okay to ask for help and be vulnerable.  Rarely is a conversation so easy and comfortable with someone, but I felt like Hilary and I were old friends by the time we finished speaking.  She is smart, honest, unashamed, and willing to open up on the good and bad.  We are all benefitting by Hilary sharing her story.https://instagram.com/hilaryphelps_?igshid=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==https://instagram.com/ashleytreatment?igshid=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==

I absolutely love having high expectations for someone and they still manage to exceed them.  That was my experience with this week's guest, Niall Breslin.  After following Niall on social media because of his tireless work as a mental health advocate, months later I realized he's an accomplished athlete, musician, and former coach on The Voice of Ireland.  When someone's work for a good cause precedes their success in business, you know they're doing something right.  My conversation with Niall, and his infectious passion and energy when discussing his charity work and desire for better mental health services around the world, left me wanting to do more.https://www.niallbreslin.com/https://instagram.com/bressie?igshid=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==https://instagram.com/a_lust_for_life?igshid=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==

There's no need to take on the monumental task of never drinking again, I just need to not drink today.  Taking it one day at a time makes it manageable.   This mindset has carried over from sobriety into almost every other aspect of my life.  It has made me more productive at work, able to take on bigger challenges, and has allowed me to finally make longstanding dreams of mine a reality.  The key is not getting overwhelmed, and taking whatever it is - One Day At A Time - enables me to keep everything manageable.

July 4th is America's Independence Day!  Break out the swimsuits, fire up the grills, and make sure the cooler is bull of booze!  For me, the fourth was just another excuse to drink, and a good one.  Let's be honest, every holiday, weekend or event became another excuse for me.  What kind of example was that for my kids?  Our children learn by watching, so what was I teaching?  Now, it doesn't mean that I didn't love them.  Anyone who knows me, knows that I would die for my kids.  But wouldn't it be better if I lived for them?

Matt got sober over 17 years ago, but only decided to be open about it 14 years later.  Living with his secret of sobriety was exhausting, so coming out with the truth became life changing.  Now a sober and recovery coach on top of continuing his career as a personal trainer, Matt is the man behind WE DO RECOVER, the influential movement dedicated to empowering individuals on their journey to recovery.  This has allowed his impact to extend far beyond the realms of fitness and recovery.Through his unwavering commitment to his own sobriety, he has touched the lives of countless individuals providing them with guidance, inspiration, and the promise of a brighter future.  With his passion, expertise, and genuine concern for others, Matthew continues to inspire and transform lives, empowering individuals to reclaim their strength and embrace a life filled with purpose and well-being.https://wedorecover.getform.com/vy24wIG: @MatthewTaub

After years of addiction, Tony found himself in prison ready to change the game through discipline, structure and routine.  It started with brushing his teeth, making his bed, and organizing his cell.  It led to workouts, setting goals, and creating a mindset that he'd carry with him upon reentering society.  16 years later, he speaks to high school students around the world, delivered a truly memorable and reverberating TED Talk, and explains how he went from prison to the Olympics.  IG: @tonymhoffmantonyhoffmanspeaking.comphwellness.com

I love a world in which I can connect with someone like Marjory McCoy.  At 57 years of age, Marj made the life changing decision to get sober.  She spent much of her life surviving difficult situations and experiences, and burying her thoughts and feelings as a result.  No More!  And with two half-IRONMAN races already under her belt, she's going for the full race this September to mark her two year sober anniversary.  Let's go Marj!

My nephew, Ty, is an actor, and is playing the role of a man with a drinking problem.  As part of his research for the part, he wanted to ask me some questions about being an alcoholic .  I agreed, but thought we should turn the camera on for the conversation.  We got personal.  Here's the episode.https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/frankie-and-johnny-in-the-clair-de-lune#/

This was one of those conversations where I found myself nodding in agreement, had lightbulbs going off, and relating to so much of what was being said.  Phillip was a “successful” kid and carried that “success” into his young, adult life.  The time came when he was forced to take off his mask, tear down the walls he'd built in this facade, and face himself and his growing addiction.  His experience with over a decade of sobriety, and honesty with being full of shit in early sobriety, is a privilege to take in.  Phillip is smart, high-energy, and above all else, honest.Phillip A. Barbb is a 2x Emmy®-nominated TV Producer, speaker, author, and a performance coach focused on emotional intelligence and dynamic leadership for C-Suite executives, entrepreneurs, and creatives. He is the author of "All the Reasons I Hate My 28-Year-Old Boss" which is a comedic and motivational business/personal development book. As a keynote speaker, he enjoys the honor of connecting with many different types of audiences from high school & college students to personal development workshops to corporate leaders. Mr. Barbb educates, encourages, and empowers audiences on a variety of topics including Leadership Development, Workplace Ageism, Character Building, Peer Pressure, Social Media Influence, and Substance Abuse. In his spare time, he volunteers with inmates in the Los Angeles County Jail System struggling with substance abuse issues. For more details, visit www.PhillipBarbb.com.Book: All the Reasons I Hate My 28-Year-Old BossIG: @PhillipAndrewLATwitter: @PhillipAndrewLATikTok: @PhillipAndrewLA

Johnny Reilly took me deep into his experience growing up as an abused kid in a working poor family.  Filled with rage, he was prone to violence as a mode of survival. Despite making waves in the UK dance battle scene, he eventually found alcohol and crack as a means to cope with what life had given him.  Having traveled a difficult road, along which he sharpened his survival skills, had 16 children, and blossomed artistically, Johnny has found peace.  His greatest triumph is that he still has love to give, and does so as he shares his experience with the world around him.https://instagram.com/osulifestyle?igshid=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==http://www.johnnybangreilly.com

I'm 2 years sober today.

A name like Ben Tuff deserves a good story to follow, so I'm happy to share it.  Ben approached his early recovery with the same drive and commitment he has shown toward most challenges in his life, he was going to kick ass at it.  11 years later, he's still kicking ass while sober, raising money, helping kids, and swimming unheard of distances in open water - up to 25 miles.  Ben's swims are like recovery and life - you will hit a wall, and you must find a way through it.https://instagram.com/ben.tuff?igshid=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==https://swimtuff.com

"With gratitude, optimism is sustainable."  Those were words spoken by Michael J. Fox and they prompted me to speak.  So much of my journey has been possible because of gratitude, and my optimism and energy on a daily basis is directly related to it.  I am grateful for so much, including this episode, so please check it out.Questions, thoughts or reactions to this episode?Email me at dkpodcast@dankaraty.com

I labeled myself a functioning alcoholic.  I was wrong.  Maybe I was surviving, but I was slowly failing.  What it takes to get sober and stay sober has taught me what real discipline is and that has rolled over into many other aspects of my life.  I've set a new goal that will certainly test my mental and physical discipline - an Ironman!

My guest this week, straight from my home state of New Jersey, is Mike Faria.  His childhood years and less than perfect upbringing may seem typical to some, but his battle with addiction and and its consequences is anything BUT typical.  My jaw dropped multiple times in talking with Mike, and his story is a textbook example of not only the insidious nature of alcohol, but the need to accept when you are powerless over it.

This week's guest, Emily Paulson, has an impressive journey of recovery that has led her to being a successful mom of five, author, and founder of the digital platform - The Sober Mom Squad.  Her own story and struggles will feel similar to so many which is why her work is increasingly important. https://www.instagram.com/emilylynnpaulson/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y%3Dhttps://instagram.com/sobermomsquad?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Hey-Hun/Emily-Lynn-Paulson/9781955905251

From heavyweight boxer to physics major, and eventually writer and author, Ed Latimore took me through his unique path of recovery and growth.  His physical and intellectual gifts could not be realized until he removed that one thing holding him back…alcohol.https://instagram.com/edlatimore?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=https://edlatimore.com/resources/sober-letters-chapter/

At first, I only knew him as Sober Dave via social media, but after getting to know him better, sharing his story was a must.  He lost a decade of his life in blackouts, but one incredible moment with an important friend saved him.  Dave giving up drinking was impressive, but what happened beyond recovery, in what he terms discovery, is where the magic happened.  https://www.instagram.com/soberdave/https://davidwilsoncoaching.com/https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/one-for-the-road/id1565341712https://amzn.to/3BpvUPD

Zac took the time out of his daily hustle to talk all things recovery, including the successes and difficulties of running his Release Recovery Center and Foundation.  Our free-flowing conversation revealed how he keeps his own recovery front and center despite his hectic work and travel schedule.  We even touched on his serious sports fandom and what it's like taking it all in sober.  Zac's passion for not just his recovery, but for others, and being of service, is undeniable and infectious.  Listen and you'll feel it.

I've known Brad, or more specifically Brad's important online presence, since being a couple of months sober, and I am grateful for his Sober Motivation platform that has served as a constant companion and source of motivation on my journey thus far.  In asking him to join the podcast, I had no idea how powerful his personal story would be, but I now have a greater understanding of the backdrop to all the good he does for the community.  Editing parts of our conversation and his story was not an option, so I simply split it into two episodes.  Here's part two!