In the final episode of 2025, Brad sits down with Brian, who share's a raw and honest sobriety story that spans decades.

Brian opens up about growing up in Spokane, Washington surrounded by alcoholism, violence, and instability — and how hockey became his escape. As a teenager, alcohol quickly became more than “weekend fun,” turning into blackout drinking, fights, arrests, and a dangerous spiral that ended in a moment that forced everything to change.

Brian shares what finally made him ask for help, why leaving his environment was a key part of getting sober, and what it took to rebuild identity, friendships, and confidence without alcohol. Brian’s last drink was December 28th, 1991 — and today he reflects on 34 years sober, life in Germany, and the mindset that helped him protect his recovery for the long haul.

In this episode, we cover:

•Childhood trauma, absent father, and growing up around addiction

•Hockey as an outlet for anger, pain, and survival

•Early drinking, escalation, blackouts, and legal consequences

•The turning point that forced Brian to choose recovery

•Treatment, relocating, and why “new environment” mattered

•Rebuilding identity without alcohol (social life, confidence, dating)

•Long-term sobriety tools: honesty, boundaries, and an exit plan

•What 34 years sober has taught Brian about freedom and control

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Contact me anytime: [email protected]

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