August 12, 2024

295: Finding Sobriety and Laughter: Patrick Holbert's Journey from Addiction to Stand-Up Comedy

40 minutes

Imagine finding your true calling amidst the chaos of addiction recovery. That’s exactly what happened to Patrick Holbert, a former TV producer who took a leap of faith and became a stand-up comedian. In this episode, Patrick shares his incredible journey of overcoming addiction and how joining a 12-step program and the Artist's Way workshop led him to pursue his passion for comedy. We explore how his acclaimed show "Punchline Drunk" uses humor and personal storytelling to educate college students about alcohol abuse, and how fatherhood has added a new emotional layer to his performances.

Patrick opens up about the complexities of filling the void left by addiction with work and external validation, and the burnout that often follows. He candidly discusses the pivotal moment of joining an Artist's Way group, which helped him dive deeper into self-discovery and community support, ultimately highlighting the need for holistic recovery. We also touch on the courage it takes to seek meaningful change and the setbacks that can occur when old habits resurface, emphasizing the importance of addressing inner needs for true fulfillment in sobriety.

In this episode, you will hear:

Patrick Holbert's transition from a TV producer to a stand-up comedian during his addiction recovery journey.

The impact of joining a 12-step program and the Artist's Way workshop on Patrick's path to sobriety and comedy.

The creation and success of "Punchline Drunk," a show that educates college students about alcohol abuse through humor.

The challenges of filling the void left by addiction with work and the resulting burnout.

Insights into the supportive yet challenging environment of the New York City comedy scene.

The development and significance of Patrick's comedy special "Qualification," filmed at a recovery convention.

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Supporting Resources:

NovusMindfulLife.com

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x9W_bKp4qEw

www.youtube.com/patmiscellaneous

Instagram: @theholbertreport

Episode Credits

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