In this episode, James shares his powerful sobriety story — one that includes relapse, struggles with alcohol and drugs, and multiple trips to the ER before finding the courage to make a change. After joining AA and committing to recovery, James went on to create real impact in his hometown of Amarillo by founding the city’s first Secular AA program, which is now celebrating its one-year anniversary.

We talk about what recovery looks like beyond the traditional path, the importance of inclusivity in sobriety spaces, and how James continues to uplift both the queer and Latin communities through his work and advocacy.

Plus, if you’re looking for your own supportive space, the Out & About AF online community is here for LGBTQIA+ folks and allies exploring life without alcohol. Join for free for 14 days, attend meetings, explore resources, and connect with others who get it.

Jame's Facebook

Beyond Belief Amarillo AA

Out & About AF

Facebook Group

Instagram

Online Community

ADHD, addiction, and a longing for affirmation shaped much of Philip’s journey. What began with drinking spiraled into cocaine use and escorting, as he searched for approval and connection in all the wrong places. After hitting rock bottom with DUIs and wake-up calls, Philip chose change. Today, he’s thriving as Conference Co-Chair for GSM and living proof that fun, community, and authenticity don’t require substances.

Instagram

Phillip

Out and About AF

If you are interested in signing up for the conference, get started here! GSM+ Conference

Come check out the new platform for weekly meetings, resources, and a community to encourage and support you!

Sign Up Here!

In this episode of Out and About AF, Toni opens up about his journey through sobriety—from running away from his problems to finally facing them head on. He shares the lessons he’s learned through slips along the way, and how AA and community support have been vital in keeping him grounded. Toni’s story is an honest reminder that recovery isn’t about perfection—it’s about progress, connection, and finding the courage to keep moving forward.

Help support Toni, or Ruby Sinthesky, as she heads to Houston, Tx, to compete in Drag Wars 2025. You can donate to a good cause here!

Instagram

Toni

Gabe

Out and About AF Community

1:1 Coaching Intake Form

Online Community

Lambda Dallas

In this episode of Out and About AF, Jonathan shares his powerful journey from battling meth addiction to living a life filled with sobriety, love, and gratitude. He opens up about the strategies he uses to handle triggers, how finding community gave him strength, and why helping others has been such an important part of his recovery.

Today, Jonathan and his husband are thriving—proof that healing and transformation are possible with connection and support.

If you’re curious about exploring your own relationship with alcohol, join us on the brand-new Out and About AF platform launching October 1st. And if you’d like more personalized guidance, reach out—I’d love to connect with you. 🌈✨

To get started click here - https://out-and-about-af.mykajabi.com/pl/2148702582

Instagram

Gabe - https://www.instagram.com/outandaboutaf/

Johnathon - https://www.instagram.com/jkd1981/

To Support the Podcast - buymeacoffee.com/outandaboutaf

In this episode, I sit down with Christina and Branwen to talk about how loss, perspective, and choosing an alcohol-free life have transformed our journeys. We dive into how alcohol was holding us back from becoming our best selves, and how sobriety has given us the freedom to create the lives we truly want to live. From stepping into authenticity, to trying new things, to getting certified as alcohol-free life coaches, this conversation is all about growth and living with purpose.

Instagram

Christina https://www.instagram.com/itschristinahorn/

Branwen https://www.instagram.com/the.growing.spirit/

Gabe https://www.instagram.com/outandaboutaf/

1:1 Coaching

https://calendly.com/connect-outandaboutaf/30min

Empowered AF Coach™5x Certification

https://becomeeuphoric.com/certification/

Alcohol was always part of Tomás’ world—until one moment made him realize something had to change. In this episode, Tomás opens up about the turning point that led him to let go of alcohol, the challenges of finding himself again, and how he’s rewriting generational patterns. Now, nearly a year into his alcohol-free journey, he’s discovering freedom, identity, and a new way forward.

In this episode, we sit down with McKenzie, who shares her journey of sobriety in the LGBTQIA+ community. For years, alcohol influenced nearly every part of her life—even where she chose to live. When it started affecting her job and relationships, she hit a breaking point and decided to get sober. McKenzie talks about how she found community and acceptance through softball, and how music became a powerful source of healing, helping her stay grounded and pursue the life she truly wanted. Tune in for an honest, inspiring conversation about finding joy, connection, and purpose without a drink in hand.

Follow McKenzie on:

https://macdogmusic.com

https://www.instagram.com/macdogmusic/

https://www.youtube.com/@Macdogmusic

If this podcast connects with you and you’d like to help keep it going, you can show your support by clicking below!

buymeacoffee.com/outandaboutaf

Follow me on Instagram at @outandaboutaf

Thomas, COO of GSM+, opens up about his transformative journey from alcohol struggles to a life of purpose and fulfillment. After near-hospitalization and countless challenges, a timely letter about mental health inspired him to enter an Intensive Outpatient Program, setting him on a path toward lasting sobriety. Along the way, Thomas found his passion as a chef in the yachting industry, embraced fatherhood as a foster dad, and built a strong partnership with his loved one. In this episode, he shares how he forged his own path, navigated life without substances, and continues to make the most of every day.

Thomas

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/chef_thomasday3/

https://www.instagram.com/td3po/

Gay & Sober

https://www.gayandsober.org

GSM+

https://www.gayandsober.org/registration

If you would like to support the podcast

buymeacoffee.com/outandaboutaf

In this episode of Out and About AF, Des reflects on her religious upbringing and how it shaped her early life, alongside the role alcohol and drugs played in her story. She shares the pivotal connection that inspired her to get sober, the tools that helped her stay the course, and how embracing her authentic self led to coming out, getting engaged, thriving in her career and showing up for her kids, making every sober day worth it.

When Scot Maitland turned 40, he was hit with a cancer diagnosis and the reality of a hereditary condition known as Lynch syndrome. 13 years later and cancer-free, Scot shares his journey of letting go of alcohol, navigating "soberish" spaces, and discovering that what he truly loves isn't just crafting beautiful drinks—it’s crafting community. From starting The Elevated Bear to creating inclusive, alcohol-free spaces for everyone, Scot reminds us that confidence doesn’t have to come from what’s in your glass.