Sober.Coffee Podcast

In this episode of the Sober.coffee Podcast, hosts Mike R. and Glenn H. are joined by guest Frank for a vulnerable conversation about the transformative "gift of desperation" and the necessity of planning for "tomorrows" in recovery.The trio explores how hitting rock bottom serves as a powerful catalyst, opening the mind to solutions that once seemed impossible. They emphasize that while sobriety begins with the decision to stop, long-term success requires "plugging in" to a community like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and following the guidance of those who have already navigated the path.Key Discussion PointsThe Gift of Desperation: All three speakers reached a point where the consequences of their drinking became so severe that they were finally willing to admit powerlessness and take any suggested action for recovery.Unresolved Trauma: Mike, Glenn, and Frank share their histories with trauma, agreeing that healthy resolution is mandatory because "wounds will not heal with sobriety alone".Accountability & Connection: The group highlights the power of staying connected through "constant contact" and leaning on sponsors. They describe the recovery community as the "wounded healing the wounded".Frank's Journey: Once a "weekend warrior" plagued by multiple DUIs and cycles of anger and regret, Frank discusses his shift toward a life of honesty and stress management.Quality Begets Quality: Glenn introduces the idea that a commitment to a high-quality recovery leads to a higher quality of life, noting movements like "dry months" as potential starting points for the "sober curious".The "Next Suggested Thing": Instead of trying to calculate a complex formula for success, the three concur that the most effective strategy is simply listening to guidance and doing the next right thing.Takeaways for the ListenerSet Success Expectations: Be open and intentional about your sobriety goals from the start.Embrace Guidance: Listen to those with more experience and be willing to follow directions without overthinking the process.Be There for the Next Guy: Recovery is a reciprocal process; being of service to others is vital for maintaining one's own sobriety.Choose Truth: Honesty is the foundation of managing stress and breaking the "vicious cycle" of regret.

Podcast Summary: Don't Be a RichardThis week on Sober.Coffee, Tim D joins Mike and Glenn to discuss the nuances of living a life in recovery beyond simple abstinence. The episode, titled “Don't be a Richard,” explores the shift from just "not drinking" to actively "living better" through consistent, responsible action.Key Talking PointsThe "Next Right Thing": Sobriety is more than just avoiding alcohol; it is a way of life focused on doing the next right thing rather than the next wrong thing.Living Better: Once the initial hurdle of drinking is cleared, the focus shifts to creating a new, healthier path.Redemptive Qualities: Identifying with our "core selves"—the third grader inside—stirs qualities like trust and accountability that develop over time.Hard Work After the Drink: Real recovery starts after stopping the substance; it involves persistent effort to maintain accountability and consistent action.Perspective and Pause: When old, distorted thoughts surface, a simple pause provides the perspective needed to avoid old patterns and rejoin the right path.From Chaos to Calm: The journey leads from a life of chaos to one of confidence, comfort, and internal peace.The Role of Community: Ultimate answers and support are found within the rooms of Alcoholics Anonymous and the fellowship of others who have walked the path.Recovery qualifies us for a "more better" life, where we no longer regret the past but allow it to shape our future for the good.

In this episode of the Sober.Coffee Podcast, hosts Mike and Glenn welcome guest Tim D to the coffee shop for a raw exploration of recovery titled "No Longer Paralyzed—healing through ‘help.'" The trio dives into the defining habits of alcoholism and the realization that while habits drive us, we have the power to shift from cycles of negativity to victories. They reflect on the "box" of addiction that once kept them paralyzed and why the simple, repeated action of attending meetings remains a vital lifeline. Key Discussion Points:The Power of Help: Challenging the stigma of reaching out, the group discusses why asking for help is a "superpower" and the essential act of "ripping off the mask" to find clarity.Action Over Impulse: A deep look at why we often don't "feel" like doing the right thing, but choose to do it anyway to maintain the gift of sobriety.New Beginnings: How new members energize the program by reminding veterans of where they came from, reinforcing that most don't have "another relapse" in them.Responsibility in a Troubling World: Navigating a society filled with conflicting opinions by focusing on personal responsibility and being "aware" enough to choose life over a drink. “I walk the sober path of recovery intensely and reap rewards beyond imagination... If I can help one individual toward sober success, my purpose has been fulfilled.”ABOUT US - Sober Coffee

What if your addiction wasn't just a "curse," but a profound spiritual crisis—a "spiritual homesickness" searching for a home? What if your addiction is your ultimate calling?In this episode of SOBER.COFFEE, Glenn and Mike dive into the raw, authentic reality of the recovery journey. They reframe the struggle of substance abuse as a misplaced quest, the seeking of wholeness, for a higher-power relationship, as they uncover why so many of us felt "liberated" for a fleeting moment, only to be left in deep isolation.Join us as we explore the "Great Exchange"—stripping away the inefficiencies of regret and remorse to fill up with the efficiency of hope. and purpose  If you are currently in the hell of addiction or seeking a "True North" in your recovery, this conversation offers a powerful message on how to turn your curse into your calling.Key Takeaways:The Spiritual Void: Why addiction is often a searching for a higher-power connection.Capturing Lightning Twice: Understanding the futility of chasing the initial high and finding a redefined Higher Power instead.The Emptying Process: Why you must empty yourself of self to make room for a raw, real life experience.The "Why" vs. the "What": Shifting your mindset from "Why was I like this?" to "What am I now?".Finding Purpose: Discovering your calling at the intersection of abstinence and hope.

"The Voice" alum Audra McLaughlin is back and more powerful than ever. Joining Mike and Glenn in Nashville, Audra opens up about her transformative journey from darkness to light, the peace she's found in her purpose, and how her music now serves as a lifeline for others in recovery. This is more than just a podcast; it's a testament to resilience and the healing power of music. Plus, get the latest on her new releases.

In this episode, Nashville-based singer-songwriter Audra joins Mike and Glenn to share a profound narrative of resilience and transformation. Moving beyond her past, Audra discusses her evolution from "sick to sparkle," detailing how she traded the shadows of addiction for a life of purpose and clarity. Her music serves as a beacon for those navigating their own sober journeys, offering a soulful connection for anyone seeking to redefine themselves.

The Art of Sobriety: Crafting a Lasting Legacy with Jermaine Dante BurseAuthor and artist Jermaine Dante Burse returns to the coffee shop with Mike and Glenn to dive deep into his life's work: creating a legacy that outlasts his time on Earth. Driven by a powerful purpose rooted in his sobriety, Jermaine shares the discipline and exhaustion that come with living life fully present. This conversation isn't just about art or addiction; it's a battle cry against complacency—an essential listen for anyone seeking to embrace their own potential.

From the Brink of Death to a Platform of Purpose: Author/Artist Jermaine Dante Burse Joins Sober.CoffeeIn this powerful episode, Mike and Glenn sit down with Jermaine Dante Burse, who shares a raw and inspiring story of survival and transformation. Once in a coma with organ failure due to alcoholism, Jermaine has forged over a decade of hard-won sobriety into a powerful platform for helping others. Discover how art, writing, and the courageous process of making amends became his path to reconciliation and a new life. This is a story of reclaiming trust, discovering brilliance on the other side of dependence, and the journal notes that inspired his searing memoir, Autopsy of My Former Self (available at Barnes & Noble).

In this discussion, Mike and Glenn explore the crucial question: "Now what?" as they look ahead to 2026. They delve into how living a life driven by passion and purpose is essential for true success.Key takeaways from the conversation include:The "Work" is the Key: The principle of "Drive," which mirrors the active approach of the AA program, suggests that to elevate your life, you must actively do the work.The Mantra of Success: Embrace the commitment: "If you want what we have and are willing to go to any length to get it," recognizing that success requires unwavering dedication.Action is Everything: The idea that "AA doesn't work" is true only if you don't work the program. Similarly, if you want a better life, you must live a better life.Showing Up is Non-Negotiable: Glenn and Mike agree that simply showing up is a foundational part of "going to any length."Direction through Awareness: Self-awareness is key to understanding your proper direction and requires being open to new experiences.Inspired by The Purpose Driven Life: Drawing inspiration from Rick Warren's book, they advocate for incorporating spirituality and serving others into your plan.Mike and Glenn emphasize that the time for passive wishing is over—it's time to take action to achieve the life you want.

 Brian Mackender — Sober.Coffee's very own barista extraordinaire — joins Mike and Glenn in the coffee shop for a special Christmas Eve conversation. Together, they dig into a few key ingredients of successful sobriety, including the value of showing up for meetings, staying grounded in the present moment, and recognizing the risks of overconfidence. Brian also brings his experience as the owner of Audiohive Podcasting in Crest Hill, Illinois, adding depth and an outside perspective to the discussion. Merry Christmas to all!

Dating in Sobriety: When Are You Ready?Mike and Glenn welcome Jackie and Tommy for a frank discussion on dating, emphasizing that real relationships are built on honesty. The group explores the common guidance of waiting a full year of sobriety before dating, stressing that personal health must be the top priority. Key takeaways include:Prioritizing self-improvement before seeking a partner."Comfort" does not equal "ready."Dating isn't just for singles—married couples should also invest in focused time together.The essential need to discuss relationship opportunities with a trusted mentor/sponsor ("someone who can read your label").A strong warning about trauma bonding and the importance of checking one's own motives as well as being aware of others'.The indispensable role of spirituality in making sound relationship decisions.

Part 2: Forgiveness as the Foundation of RecoveryKeton Douglass rejoins Mike and Glenn for the conclusion of their two-part discussion, focusing on the core themes of forgiveness, healing, and addiction through her work with the iTHIRST initiative.As a theologian, Douglass asserts that a lack of forgiveness is a destructive venom that actively threatens recovery, noting that the emotional weight of resentment primarily harms oneself.Key insights from the conversation:The Power of Forgiveness: By unlearning childhood wounds and embracing the concept of a loving, forgiving Higher Power, deep healing becomes possible. The message is simple: if God can forgive, so can we.Clearing Resentments: Turning toward a Higher Power helps clear away resentments and resists the temptation of idolatry, leading to a path of righteousness.The Tripod of Wellness: True freedom requires surrender and work, balancing the three pillars of wellness: Spirituality, Mental, and Physical health.Prayer and Work: The solution for the hurting lies in combining spiritual work, specifically prayer, with concrete effort.Finally, Douglass shares her involvement in the upcoming TV show, Unshackled, on the Shalom World Network.

Healing the Addiction Crisis: A Blueprint for the ChurchMike and Glenn are joined by author and recovery advocate Keton Douglass to discuss the devastating opioid epidemic that is sweeping across all demographics and borders. Douglass, who champions the collective mantra of "Being Hope Dealers," is working on the front lines to raise recovery awareness, specifically focusing on education at the church level.The conversation highlights:The Blueprint: Her book, The Road to Hope: Responding to the Crisis of Addiction, offers a systemic approach to addiction education and awareness.iTHIRST Ministry: Douglass's involvement with iTHIRST, a mission dedicated to bringing hope to the over 45 million Americans suffering from Substance Use Disorders.Spiritual Healing: The core belief that spiritual healing is the glue to recovery.Mutual Healing: The idea that "mutually broken people can help heal each other."The Church's Role: The agreed-upon necessity for churches to act as "hospitals for the sick," with iTHIRST providing the tools to be "the hands to healing" in 45 states.(Part 1 of 2)

Join Mike and Glenn in the coffee shop as they celebrate Thanksgiving, sharing memories and lessons from the Serenity Prayer, and exchanging stories from years past - while looking forward to the 2025 holiday season.

AA is a spiritual program.  In this session, Mike, Glenn, and Tommy O discuss "The God Thing".  The topic makes people squirm, but on this morning, the boys step up and hit spirituality head-on. A must-listen.

Tommuy O joins the fun at the coffee shop, where the boys discuss the power of action (over words) and the word "yes".  Getting comfortable with the uncomfortable allows for the growth that we were made for, they agreed. From an AA perspective, meditation and prayer, health, service, and awareness are among the tools used to move from plateau to plateau.  Win the moment...

Stephanie rejoins Mike and Glenn at the coffee shop, where they discuss the business of life, being present in the moment, and sobriety service work.  Stephanie reinvented herself as a bright light in her recovery community.  Loud and proud, she carries hope to those around her in sobriety and society.  A unique perspective comes as she shares from the view of an ER nurse and how “God Drops” – are given AND accepted.  Just three normal people learning and serving.

Mike and Glenn revisit the coffee shop, where they discuss love, appreciation, prayer, and patience, as well as the actions that accompany these concepts.  

Inspired by the story of the band Linkin Park, Mike and Glenn dive into a heartfelt conversation about what it means to lose your voice — not just creatively, but emotionally and spiritually — and how the journey of recovery offers a chance to find a new one. Through it all, they talk about staying focused on one shared goal: reaching the finish line sober, with authenticity and hope intact.

 In this episode, Mike and Glenn talk about navigating change and the importance of staying adaptable when life shifts unexpectedly. They reflect on how to adjust course without losing sight of what truly matters — maintaining consistency, structure, and purpose in their recovery journey. While they don't claim to have all the answers, they remain committed to doing the next right thing. 

Author Mike Shooty joins Mike and Glenn in the coffee shop to talk about taking sobriety one day at a time and his book, Lost in London, A Journey from Insanity to Acceptance (available on BookBaby.com).  

Alena joins Mike and Glenn in the coffee shop, sharing the struggles with alcohol and drug abuse.  Eventually breaking the cycle, Alena finds peace these days caring for the loves of her life: Herself and her horses.  A story of strife into sobriety reminds us that "No matter how far down the scale we have gone, we will see how our experience can benefit others" 

Mike and Glenn welcome one of the cool guys in sobriety into the coffee shop to discuss bringing a message of hope into the jail system.  Emil has a distinct enthusiasm for the program of Alcoholics Anonymous and has served other struggling alcoholics for quite a few twenty-four hours.  Find more information about Emil and his work at https://harmonyxing.com/bio and https://www.chicagoaa.org/committees/committee-corrections/

In the last episode of the Summer Series, Joe and Ryan rejoin Mike and Glenn, where they discuss the steps, one-by-one, in a fast and furious format.  

In part 3 of 4 of the Summer Series, Joe and Ryan rejoin Mike and Glenn, where they discuss music, favorite sober moments, showing up, sharing your story, mixed worlds, service, sponsorship, picking up the phone, meetings, invitations, involvement, turning it over, God, guardrails, doing the work, staying fresh, staying the course, relapse, and of course, the promises - all in rapid fire fashion.

In part 2 of 4 of the Summer Series, Joe and Ryan rejoin Mike and Glenn, where they discuss community, service, trust, connection, relationships, reasons, being present, and basically "Normal Living" and of course, the promises.

Glenn and Mike welcome Joe and Ryan to the coffee shop for a few weeks of summer-focused sobriety.  In this session, Ryan shares details about his journey towards recovery.  From DUI to program defiance, the boys shared how the fellowship, the steps, and anniversaries supported their quest to accept that life on this side of drinking is far better than the prior.  

Mike and Glenn welcome Hamza to the coffee shop to discuss the grind, stresses, and the fear of what can happen vs finding joy in a whole life using techniques such as breathwork.  Learn more at www.breathesober.com 

Jeni joins Mike and Glenn in their hope to help people on their journey towards sobriety.  Her workbook was recently published as a powerful tool, especially for woman who have decided that alcohol no longer serves their life goals.   Health, science, and practical steps have proven to be the answer for her, Mike, and Glenn.  Worth a listen!

Joe returns to chat about everything and nothing: fun, fantastic exits, pain, pain meds, guardrails, death, mini-bars, meetings, strong programs, honesty, balance, service, feelings, commitments, intention, time, sponsors, coffees, blessings, music, surrender, the ninth step, work, peace and the promises. 

Joe meets up with Mike and Glenn, and they discuss "being ready", meetings, connection, and what makes makers make.  Life, they agree, is better sober. 

Glenn does his best to flashroll the presentation he gave at the AA retreat that Sober.coffee was broadcasting from.  He focuses on the similarities, not the differences, in seed planting in the name of growing good sobriety.  This session spells out practical advice for a solid recovery plan.  A can't miss.  

Live from a retreat setting, Kelly shares about the strength of commitment and community. As the group reflected on the reward and fulfillment of unplugging and sharing growth with a group of like-minded people, they concluded that the experience is intimate and inspiring.  

"New Mike" visits Mike and Glenn in the coffee shop, remote from an AA retreat just outside Chicago.  The quick sit-down touched on honesty, patience, and the power of expressing oneself in an open and non-transactional setting.  

Mike and Glenn record live from an AA retreat in Frankfort IL, and Karen joins in to discuss unplugging and making recovery a priority.  Giving oneself the time and place to invest in our sobriety pays dividends beyond the investment.  

Lynn and Bruce join Mike and Glenn in the coffee shop, in episode 1 of 5, live from an AA retreat.  From pickleball to paradise - from a mess to a miracle - their story of transformation is both amazing and inspirational.  

Marggi and Dan join Mike and Glenn to discuss their project #VibezBombz.  A mashup of several recovery modalities, the solution promises to reconnect to that which we have become disconnected.  

Marin, co-founder of www.sobrynth.com, and Abby, a customer from www.OlympiaHospitality.com, join Mike and Glenn in the coffee shop to discuss addiction education and resources in corporate structures.  From recovery education to crisis response, the four talk about being there for employees in need of support.  

Glenn and Mike explore expectations and performance gaps as causes and effects of addiction and sobriety.  Understanding that even when the best is given, sometimes failure prevails, and that acceptance is the key to navigating toward true recovery.  

"Practicing these principles in all our affairs" is a tool the program of Alcoholics Anonymous gave us to fight off other addictions and destructive behaviors in life.  In this episode, Mike and Glenn discuss over-eating and smoking, understanding defects of character, surrender, and abstinence.  

Lynda returns to the coffee shop to discuss the strengths and weaknesses of her journey.  Raw and real conversation while looking to the big book of Alcoholics Anonymous for Good,-Orderly-Direction.  

Special guest Stephanie joins Mike and Glenn in the coffee shop and gets serious about sobriety.  Granted the gift of desperation, she found hope and a solution in the rooms of Alcoholics Anonymous.  She shares her story in the hope of convincing the next struggler to get off the abuse ride before it crashes. Her smile, energy, and passion promote the magic that is recovery.  

Glenn and Mike serve up their experience with the ultimate rebuild—from flimsy fantasy to firm foundation. Looking at the cornerstones on which they have built their sobriety: abstinence, honesty, service, and spirituality, they found that purposeful, intentional action built them an existence paved toward peace.  

Who we hang with matters! Mike and Glenn discuss networks, choices, and how our community transforms us from liabilities to assets.  Talking to the core of quality relationships, it became clear that service to others drives us to the best possible outcomes-- We have become the five people we serve with.

Glenn and Mike come in hot, discussing the importance of being there for the next guy/girl.  Purposefully pursuing those in pain is the 12th step objection taken seriously, as it is a part of complete recovery.  The boys agree that magic happens when they help others.  

Author Ian Fee joins Mike and Glenn at the coffee shop, sharing details of his wild ride to sobriety.  From his early partying days to the intense aversion therapy he underwent, Ian has made an impact with the release of his book. 

A friend of the boys, Brian "the musician," joins in to talk about music as therapy and the tragedies of recreational drug use today. His real success story celebrates the solution available to all seeking recovery and community. 

Mike and Glenn chat about gratitude. Doing "the next right thing" has led them to a place of confidence and appreciation for the fact that thankfulness follows action, not feelings.  It is hard to be Grateful and Anxious at the same time.  #ChooseGratefulness

Mike and Glenn swap stories about their re-start(s). Both were building a life of sanity, one brick at a time, by restoring relationships, living responsibly, and accepting what they could not control.  

Mike and Glenn chat about the importance of consistency.  Never missing and doing the next right thing, whether you feel like it or not, brought them to a place they could never have imagined.  Repetition and doing the small things over and over again is the mantra discussed - all while admitting that they don't always hit the mark. 

Don F returns to discuss doing the work for a sober life.  Moments of peace follow the pains of change.  Spirituality, service, and self-pity are dissected and discussed as three guys on the recovery path get together to share the fact that there is a solution.  If they can find comfort, anyone can!