Don't be Brad

SOBER. COFFEE PODCAST | EPISODE SHOW NOTES EPISODE OVERVIEW In this episode, Mike and Glenn dive into the concept of navigating life's unpredictable "storms" and the profound clarity that sobriety brings to daily life. They share personal reflections on the true rewards of recovery—like simple moments spent with family—which they agree are more rewarding than any million-dollar check. The core of today's conversation revolves around a recent viral social media post from their page about a well-known celebrity named Brad, who publicly decided to step off the sober path after seven years to try moderate drinking. Mike and Glenn break down their vastly different initial reactions to the news, exposing how the recovery brain operates differently for everyone and why you should never let a celebrity's path dictate your own program. **KEY TAKEAWAYS & DISCUSSION POINTS** Navigating the Storms: Glenn reflects on a metaphor about captaining a ship, noting that anyone can do it when the ship is docked, but the real test comes when the waves roll in. Sobriety allows them to handle life's daily grinds and unexpected waves with clarity. - The "Don't Be Brad" Meme: The hosts discuss a viral meme they posted with the tagline: "The most dangerous drink is the one that you can convince yourself you can handle now." \* Two Different Reactions to a Relapse:     - Mike's View: Felt deep disappointment and sorrow for Brad, viewing it as throwing away a hard-earned gift of clarity.     - Glenn's View: Admitted his "selfish" brain immediately wondered if Brad had figured out a secret way to drink moderately, proving that even after 11 years, the addiction brain can still play tricks. The Illusion of Moderate Drinking: Both hosts agree that for true alcoholics, "playing the tape" to remember the bad times is essential to counter the brain's tendency to only remember the good times. As Glenn notes, "Once you're a pickle, you can't turn back into a cucumber." \* Their Final Advice:     - Work your own program, stick to your sponsor, and utilize your tools.     - Don't let an outside influence or a public figure's choices impact your commitment to recovery. **MEMORABLE QUOTES** "Agnybody can captain a ship when it's docked... the minute you go out and the minute those waves start to roll, that separates the real folks from the wannabes." – Glenn "I don't need a celebrity to tell me that people drink normally out there... I know how it ends for me. That's the problem." – Mike "Be Glenn. Don't be Brad. Be Mike." – Mike \--- RESOURCES & SUPPORT If you or someone you know needs immediate help on the road to recovery, please reach out to the resources below: \* Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) Hotline: 808-391-686 \* National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 802-773-8255 (or dial 988) \* Email the Show: podcast@sober.coffee \* Official Website: http://sober.coffee Connect with us on Social Media: \* Instagram: @sober.coffeepodcast \* Twitter/X: @sobercoffeepod