In this episode, I’m sharing Part 2 of my sobriety story, the part that doesn’t always get talked about.

I open up about my slip after 110 days alcohol free, the emotions that came with it, and what it was really like to face myself and my community afterward. We talk about relapse not from a place of shame but from a place of learning honesty and growth.

That first year of sobriety stretched me in ways I didn’t expect. It forced me to get real about vulnerability, ask for support, and stop pretending I had everything figured out. Community played a huge role in helping me get back on track and I share why being honest even when it’s uncomfortable changed everything.

If you’re navigating your own sobriety journey whether you’re curious starting over or somewhere in between this episode is a reminder that progress isn’t always perfect and that every step forward is worth celebrating.

Sobriety didn’t take my life away.
It gave me a better one.

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In this episode, I’m finally sharing my own story. I talk about how alcohol became such a big part of my life, how my upbringing shaped the way I coped, and what it was like trying to figure all of this out as someone in the LGBTQIA+ community.

I walk through the moments that pulled me deeper into drinking, the consequences that followed — including multiple DUIs — and what it looked like to keep trying to get sober without really committing to it. I also talk about the support I got from family, friends, and community, and how much that actually mattered.

And since there’s no way to fit all of it into one episode, I end with a cliffhanger. Part 2 is coming next, where I’ll get into what my first year alcohol-free was really like.

Content Warning: Suicide Ideation & Mental Health Struggles

In this episode of Out and About AF, I sit down with John Wright Martin for one of the most honest and powerful conversations I’ve had on the podcast. John opens up about what it was like growing up in a small Texas town where alcohol was part of everything, how drinking became his escape, and the moment he realized he was starting to lose himself.

We talk about the pressure he felt hiding his sexuality, the consequences that came with addiction—including DWIs—and the moments that forced him to take a hard look at his life. Now seven years sober, John reflects on finding clarity, rebuilding from the ground up, and finally meeting the real version of himself.

This episode explores the intersections of sobriety, identity, mental health, and resilience—and it’s a reminder that real transformation starts when we’re finally honest with ourselves.

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12-Week Alcohol-Free Transformation

I sat down with Chef Nick Peters Bond, former Hell’s Kitchen contestant, to talk about his journey from relying on alcohol to realizing it was holding everything back. Now sober, Nick’s life has completely transformed. His catering business is thriving, he’s raising two amazing kids, he opened his own café, and he even launched his own chimichurri line. None of this would have been possible if he were still drinking, and his story is a powerful reminder of what happens when you take your life back.

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12-Week AF Transformative Program

In this episode, I sit down with queer leadership coach Peter Godard to talk about his journey from data analyst to someone helping LGBTQIA+ folks move through big life transitions with clarity and compassion.

We dive into the importance of finding community, choosing joy on purpose, and practicing real self-love—especially in recovery and alcohol-free living. Peter shares some powerful mindfulness tools, why our stories matter so much, and what it’s like trying to find spaces where queer people truly feel supported.

This conversation is all about reminding ourselves that joy and connection aren’t just nice to have—they’re what keep us grounded, resilient, and growing.

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In this episode of Out and About AF, Gabe sits down with Manny to explore his powerful journey through sobriety and self-discovery. Growing up gay in West Texas, Manny opens up about how family, culture, and religion shaped his early relationship with alcohol—and how breaking free from those patterns transformed his life.

He shares the pivotal role of community, the support he found in AA, and how his drag persona, Classy Misdemeanor, became both a creative outlet and a symbol of resilience. Together, Gabe and Manny dive into the importance of knowing your “why,” building a support system, and rediscovering joy and confidence beyond the drink.

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In this episode, I sit down with Melissa McGovern, host of The Sober New Yorker, for an honest and inspiring chat about her alcohol-free journey. We talk about hitting rock bottom, what life looked like before and after quitting, and how she’s found freedom and confidence in living sober. Melissa opens up about the ups and downs of traveling alcohol-free, the importance of finding your community, and what it really means to live authentically. We also dive into those everyday pressures around drinking and share some real-life tips for anyone curious about exploring the world without alcohol.

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At 16, Jonathan Gildart had his first drink — a moment that felt freeing but came with lasting consequences. What started at a summer camp led to years of substance use, jail time, and eventually, a life-changing decision to get sober.

In this episode of Out and About AF, Jonathan opens up about his journey from that first drink to finding community and purpose through recovery, GSM, and Oxford Housing. His story is one of transformation, honesty, and hope for anyone ready to change their path. 🌈

🎧 Tune in for an open, real conversation about anxiety, acceptance, and the power of starting over.

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🔗 Resources & Links Mentioned:
🎟️ Register for the GSM Conference
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In this week’s episode of Out and About AF, Gabe sits down with David from Art in the Raw and guest Charlie — a Dallas native, artist, and 13 years sober. Charlie opens up about his early experiences in the circuit party scene, his turning point toward recovery, and how painting became a vital outlet in his sobriety journey.

He also shares the inspiration behind his book Fool’s Journey Through Recovery, where he blends Tarot symbolism with the 12 Steps to create a unique, spiritual approach to healing. This heartfelt and creative conversation shows how art can transform pain into purpose and guide us toward self-discovery.

After you listen, be sure to check out Charlie’s full artist interview on Art in the Raw and grab his book, The Fool's Journey through Recovery, on Barnes & Noble.

👉 Plus, learn how to join Gabe’s 30-Day Alcohol-Free Challenge — a supportive reset for anyone rethinking their relationship with alcohol or looking to strengthen their recovery journey.

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This week on Out and About AF, I sit down with the amazing Dr. Ana M. Salazar, Ph.D., LPC-S — and we laughed, went on a few tangents, and had some powerful conversations about healing and connection.

We talked about her work supporting marginalized communities, how a simple deep breath can ground you, Latin culture and mental health, K-pop demon hunters, and how music can hold deep meaning. Most importantly, we explored how we all face personal demons — and how sticking together helps us get through it.

If you’re thinking about starting your alcohol-free journey, check out my 30-Day Alcohol-Free Challenge with a digital workbook, kickoff and wrap-up calls, and support throughout the 30 days. For a more personalized plan, I also offer 1:1 coaching to help you build an alcohol-free lifestyle that fits you.

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