Sober Dad Crew

My guest this episode is Mike Jacobs, bass player in the band On the Cinder, which was formed in Buffalo. He is also a sober dad. Mike shares his experiences as a father, musician, and sober individual. He discusses the challenges of balancing family life with his passion for music, the lessons learned from his journey into parenthood, and the impact of sobriety on his relationships. We talk about the evolution of punk and hardcore music, the role of political commentary in the genre, and the importance of community in fostering a vibrant music scene.

Takeaways

• Mike Jacobs is a bassist in the band On the Cinder.
• He has two children, one of whom is seven months old.
• Parenting can be a balancing act between responsibilities and passions.
• Sobriety has positively impacted his family life and relationships.
• The punk and hardcore music scenes are evolving with new influences.
• Political commentary in punk rock is becoming less prominent.
• Community support is vital for musicians and families alike.
• Grief can shape our perspectives on life and relationships.
• Finding gratitude in challenging times is essential for well-being.
• The importance of all-ages spaces in music scenes cannot be overstated.

Be sure to subscribe, leave a rating, and share Sober Dad Crew with folks.

Sober Dad Crew is an independent, DIY production created by Stephen Kimball, who writes, records, and produces the podcast. To learn more, please visit soberdadcrew.com. Copyright 2026.

My guest this episode is Dr. Jeffrey Reynolds, President and CEO of the Family and Children’s Association, a two-time cancer survivor, marathon runner, triathlete, and author of Every Mile Matters: Turning Triathlon Training Into Cancer Triumph. Dr. Reynolds shares his journey as a cancer survivor and his extensive work in the non-profit sector, focusing on substance use and mental health. He discusses the disparities in healthcare access, the importance of harm reduction, and the impact of technology on youth mental health. Dr. Reynolds also reflects on his personal experiences with spirituality and the evolution of his relationships with friends during his health challenges. The discussion emphasizes the need for unconditional love and support for individuals facing addiction and mental health issues.

Takeaways

• Dr. Reynolds emphasizes the importance of wanting to parent differently from his own upbringing.
• He highlights the significant impact of his childhood experiences on his career choice.
• The conversation reveals the challenges faced in the non-profit sector, especially in addiction treatment.
• Dr. Reynolds shares his personal journey through cancer and its influence on his perspective on life.
• He advocates for routine screenings and early detection of health issues.
• The discussion touches on the disparities in healthcare access for marginalized communities.
• Dr. Reynolds stresses the importance of harm reduction in addressing substance use disorders.
• He discusses the mental health challenges faced by youth today, exacerbated by technology.
• The conversation explores the intersection of spirituality and personal growth during health crises.
• Dr. Reynolds calls for a more compassionate approach to addiction treatment, focusing on unconditional love.

Be sure to subscribe, leave a rating, and share Sober Dad Crew with folks.

Sober Dad Crew is an independent, DIY production created by Stephen Kimball, who writes, records, and produces the podcast. To learn more, please visit soberdadcrew.com. Copyright 2026.

My guest this episode is Stephanie Syill. She's a sober mom, one of the hosts of the After Party podcast, and runs the Killjoy bottle shop in Nashville. 

In this engaging conversation, Stephen Kimball interviews Stephanie Still, a sober mom and co-host of the After Party podcast. They discuss Stephanie's journey to sobriety, the challenges and joys of parenting, and the creation of her non-alcoholic bar, Killjoy, in Nashville. The conversation highlights the importance of community support, the positive changes that come with sobriety, and the entrepreneurial spirit that drives Stephanie's endeavors. They also touch on the significance of sharing stories and experiences in the sober community, making for an inspiring and relatable dialogue.

Takeaways

• Stephanie waited until she was 39 to have a baby, reflecting on her past as a heavy drinker.
• The pandemic prompted a lot of self-reflection for Stephanie, leading to her decision to quit drinking.
• Life after alcohol can be fulfilling and enjoyable, contrary to common misconceptions.
• Community support plays a crucial role in the journey of sobriety.
• Stephanie's non-alcoholic bar, Killjoy, was born from a desire to create a welcoming space for those who don't drink.
• Being a small business owner has been a rewarding experience for Stephanie, who loves the freedom it brings.
• The importance of morning routines and how sobriety has changed their perspectives on parenting.
• The After Party podcast aims to share positive stories about life after alcohol.
• Stephanie emphasizes the need for self-acceptance and living authentically without alcohol.
• The conversation highlights the shift in societal attitudes towards drinking and sobriety.

Be sure to subscribe, leave a rating, and share Sober Dad Crew with folks.

Sober Dad Crew is an independent, DIY production created by Stephen Kimball, who writes, records, and produces the podcast. To learn more, please visit soberdadcrew.com. Copyright 2026.

My guest this episode is Jill Sites. Jill spent 17 years working in the alcohol beverage industry before getting sober and is now working in NA Spaces. She discusses the changing landscape of drinking culture, particularly focusing on social settings. She reflects on her personal journey with alcohol, and we discuss the importance of third spaces and how they foster a sense of community and inclusion.

Takeaways

• There are very few drinks that can be consumed neat.
• Pathfinder has become a popular choice for shots.
• Cultural aspects influence the desire to take shots.
• Bartenders are embracing Pathfinder in their offerings.
• Personal experiences with alcohol can shape social interactions.
• Negative past experiences can be overcome with new choices.
• Community and connection are vital in drinking experiences.
• Rediscovering social activities can be empowering.

Be sure to subscribe, leave a rating, and share Sober Dad Crew with folks.

Sober Dad Crew is an independent, DIY production created by Stephen Kimball, who writes, records, and produces the podcast. To learn more, please visit soberdadcrew.com. Copyright 2026.

My guest this episode is Alysse Bryson, the founder and moving force behind the Sober Curator website. In this conversation, we explore her journey through addiction, recovery, and the creation of a supportive online community. Alysse shares her experiences with various substances, the challenges of early sobriety, and the importance of creating a space for diverse voices in the recovery community. The conversation also touches on future aspirations for Sober Curator and the changing landscape of alcohol consumption among younger generations.

Be sure to subscribe, leave a rating, and share Sober Dad Crew with folks.

Sober Dad Crew is an independent, DIY production created by Stephen Kimball, who writes, records, and produces the podcast. To learn more, please visit soberdadcrew.com. Copyright 2026.

Be sure to subscribe, leave a rating, and share Sober Dad Crew with folks.

Sober Dad Crew is an independent, DIY production created by Stephen Kimball, who writes, records, and produces the podcast. To learn more, please visit soberdadcrew.com. Copyright 2026.

My guest this episode is Thomas Day. He's a chef, a sober dad, and the chief of operations of Gay and Sober. In our conversation, Thomas shares his journey as a chef, sober dad, and leader in the LGBTQIA+ community. He discusses his unique path to fatherhood through foster care, the challenges of sobriety in the restaurant industry, and his commitment to creating safe spaces for all within the Gay and Sober organization. Thomas emphasizes the importance of community engagement and support in recovery, as well as the need for inclusivity in the LGBTQIA+ community during challenging times.

Be sure to subscribe, leave a rating, and share Sober Dad Crew with folks.

Sober Dad Crew is an independent, DIY production created by Stephen Kimball, who writes, records, and produces the podcast. To learn more, please visit soberdadcrew.com. Copyright 2026.

Jason Mayo is back and we're gonna be fucking serious this time because we might've been getting a bit of a reputation for being a little goofy. Jason is a dad, certified peer recovery advocate, and the force behind the Sober Not Subtle Blog. We dive into the intricate journey of memoir writing and how personal anecdotes and a pivotal moment with his first AA sponsor led to the creation of "In Case of Emergency Break Childhood." 

Be sure to subscribe, leave a rating, and share Sober Dad Crew with folks.

Sober Dad Crew is an independent, DIY production created by Stephen Kimball, who writes, records, and produces the podcast. To learn more, please visit soberdadcrew.com. Copyright 2026.

My guest this episode is Michael Valarelli. He was born in Florida, but raised in Westchester, New York. He was a punk rock kid who played in bands into his 30s. Now he is in the food world and is the creator of Seeking Heat, a hot sauce inspired brand and home of Speaking Heat Live, his talk show. We explore the transformative journey of sobriety and how music and tattoos have been constant companions and sources of connection in our lives.

Be sure to subscribe, leave a rating, and share Sober Dad Crew with folks.

Sober Dad Crew is an independent, DIY production created by Stephen Kimball, who writes, records, and produces the podcast. To learn more, please visit soberdadcrew.com. Copyright 2026.

My guest this episode is Ryan Gallagher. He's a sober dad, a firefighter, and a runner who's about to take on 21 marathons in 21 days. In this conversation, Ryan Gallagher shares his inspiring journey of sobriety, the impact of his father's death on his life, and how he rediscovered fitness through running. He discusses the importance of mental health awareness, especially for youth, and his upcoming challenge of running 21 half marathons in 21 days to raise funds for a mental health facility. Ryan emphasizes the role of family support in recovery and the significance of open conversations about sobriety with his children.

Be sure to subscribe, leave a rating, and share Sober Dad Crew with folks.

Sober Dad Crew is an independent, DIY production created by Stephen Kimball, who writes, records, and produces the podcast. To learn more, please visit soberdadcrew.com. Copyright 2026.