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.

In today’s episode, David shares how his relationship with alcohol began at just 16 or 17 years old, using it to cope with the pressure of perfection in ballet and the everyday stressors of life. Later, drinking became a way to fit in when he entered the gay community—it was just what everyone did. Eventually, David reached a turning point, and after a friend introduced him to an online alcohol-free community, everything changed. Now, over a year sober, David says he’s never been happier.

David's Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/davidgombert83/

Out and About AF

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

Community App: https://tr.ee/Ck4FKkQCj7

Website: outandabout.com

In our very first episode, I sit down with Scot, the inspiring founder of The Elevated Bear. We dive into his alcohol-free journey and how it led him to create a brand that’s all about bold flavor and meaningful community. Scot shares the creative process behind his unique flavor profiles and his viral 5 dive bar recipes.

We also open up about the parallels between coming out as gay and sharing sobriety with the world, and how Scot shifted from coming out to letting people in. To wrap it all up, we land on a powerful truth that resonates deeply: I don't drink is a complete sentence.

This episode is packed with laughs, honesty, and a fresh take on what it means to live alcohol-free with pride.

Guest: Scot Maitland

📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theelevatedbear

📘Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheElevatedBear

Get Your 5 Dive Bar Recipe Cards: https://the-elevated-bear.myflodesk.com/dive-bar-cards

Out & About AF is a podcast exploring the alcohol free lifestyle in the LGBTQIA+ community and beyond.

💻 Website: www.outandaboutaf.com
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/outandaboutaf/

📘Facebook:
www.facebook.com/groups/outandaboutaf/
🎉 Join the community: www.linktr.ee/outandaboutaf

🎙️ Episode 1: Welcome to Out & About AF!

In this kickoff episode, host Gabe introduces Out & About AF — a podcast for LGBTQIA+ folks who are living, or curious about living, alcohol-free.

You’ll hear what inspired the creation of this space, the kinds of real conversations to expect, and how this podcast will explore life without a drink in hand — from community to travel and everything in between.

Whether you're alcohol-free or just starting to rethink your relationship with alcohol, you're in the right place.

✨ New episodes coming soon — be sure to follow or subscribe so you don’t miss the first full conversation!