Podcast Summary: Don’t Be a Richard

This week on Sober.Coffee, Tim D joins Mike and Glenn to discuss the nuances of living a life in recovery beyond simple abstinence. The episode, titled “Don’t be a Richard,” explores the shift from just "not drinking" to actively "living better" through consistent, responsible action.

Key Talking Points

• The "Next Right Thing": Sobriety is more than just avoiding alcohol; it is a way of life focused on doing the next right thing rather than the next wrong thing.
• Living Better: Once the initial hurdle of drinking is cleared, the focus shifts to creating a new, healthier path.
• Redemptive Qualities: Identifying with our "core selves"—the third grader inside—stirs qualities like trust and accountability that develop over time.
• Hard Work After the Drink: Real recovery starts after stopping the substance; it involves persistent effort to maintain accountability and consistent action.
• Perspective and Pause: When old, distorted thoughts surface, a simple pause provides the perspective needed to avoid old patterns and rejoin the right path.
• From Chaos to Calm: The journey leads from a life of chaos to one of confidence, comfort, and internal peace.
• The Role of Community: Ultimate answers and support are found within the rooms of Alcoholics Anonymous and the fellowship of others who have walked the path.

Recovery qualifies us for a "more better" life, where we no longer regret the past but allow it to shape our future for the good.

In this episode of the Sober.Coffee Podcast, hosts Mike and Glenn welcome guest Tim D to the coffee shop for a raw exploration of recovery titled "No Longer Paralyzed—healing through ‘help.’" 

The trio dives into the defining habits of alcoholism and the realization that while habits drive us, we have the power to shift from cycles of negativity to victories. They reflect on the "box" of addiction that once kept them paralyzed and why the simple, repeated action of attending meetings remains a vital lifeline. 

Key Discussion Points:

• The Power of Help: Challenging the stigma of reaching out, the group discusses why asking for help is a "superpower" and the essential act of "ripping off the mask" to find clarity.
• Action Over Impulse: A deep look at why we often don't "feel" like doing the right thing, but choose to do it anyway to maintain the gift of sobriety.
• New Beginnings: How new members energize the program by reminding veterans of where they came from, reinforcing that most don't have "another relapse" in them.
• Responsibility in a Troubling World: Navigating a society filled with conflicting opinions by focusing on personal responsibility and being "aware" enough to choose life over a drink. 

What if your addiction wasn't just a "curse," but a profound spiritual crisis—a "spiritual homesickness" searching for a home? What if your addiction is your ultimate calling?

In this episode of SOBER.COFFEE, Glenn and Mike dive into the raw, authentic reality of the recovery journey. They reframe the struggle of substance abuse as a misplaced quest, the seeking of wholeness, for a higher-power relationship, as they uncover why so many of us felt "liberated" for a fleeting moment, only to be left in deep isolation.

Join us as we explore the "Great Exchange"—stripping away the inefficiencies of regret and remorse to fill up with the efficiency of hope. and purpose  If you are currently in the hell of addiction or seeking a "True North" in your recovery, this conversation offers a powerful message on how to turn your curse into your calling.

Key Takeaways:

• The Spiritual Void: Why addiction is often a searching for a higher-power connection.
• Capturing Lightning Twice: Understanding the futility of chasing the initial high and finding a redefined Higher Power instead.
• The Emptying Process: Why you must empty yourself of self to make room for a raw, real life experience.
• The "Why" vs. the "What": Shifting your mindset from "Why was I like this?" to "What am I now?".
• Finding Purpose: Discovering your calling at the intersection of abstinence and hope.

"The Voice" alum Audra McLaughlin is back and more powerful than ever. Joining Mike and Glenn in Nashville, Audra opens up about her transformative journey from darkness to light, the peace she's found in her purpose, and how her music now serves as a lifeline for others in recovery. This is more than just a podcast; it's a testament to resilience and the healing power of music. Plus, get the latest on her new releases.

In this episode, Nashville-based singer-songwriter Audra joins Mike and Glenn to share a profound narrative of resilience and transformation. Moving beyond her past, Audra discusses her evolution from "sick to sparkle," detailing how she traded the shadows of addiction for a life of purpose and clarity. Her music serves as a beacon for those navigating their own sober journeys, offering a soulful connection for anyone seeking to redefine themselves.

The Art of Sobriety: Crafting a Lasting Legacy with Jermaine Dante Burse

Author and artist Jermaine Dante Burse returns to the coffee shop with Mike and Glenn to dive deep into his life's work: creating a legacy that outlasts his time on Earth. Driven by a powerful purpose rooted in his sobriety, Jermaine shares the discipline and exhaustion that come with living life fully present. This conversation isn't just about art or addiction; it's a battle cry against complacency—an essential listen for anyone seeking to embrace their own potential.

From the Brink of Death to a Platform of Purpose: Author/Artist Jermaine Dante Burse Joins Sober.Coffee

In this powerful episode, Mike and Glenn sit down with Jermaine Dante Burse, who shares a raw and inspiring story of survival and transformation. Once in a coma with organ failure due to alcoholism, Jermaine has forged over a decade of hard-won sobriety into a powerful platform for helping others. Discover how art, writing, and the courageous process of making amends became his path to reconciliation and a new life. This is a story of reclaiming trust, discovering brilliance on the other side of dependence, and the journal notes that inspired his searing memoir,
Autopsy of My Former Self (available at Barnes & Noble).

In this discussion, Mike and Glenn explore the crucial question: "Now what?" as they look ahead to 2026. They delve into how living a life driven by passion and purpose is essential for true success.

Key takeaways from the conversation include:

• The "Work" is the Key: The principle of "Drive," which mirrors the active approach of the AA program, suggests that to elevate your life, you must actively do the work.
• The Mantra of Success: Embrace the commitment: "If you want what we have and are willing to go to any length to get it," recognizing that success requires unwavering dedication.
• Action is Everything: The idea that "AA doesn't work" is true only if you don't work the program. Similarly, if you want a better life, you must live a better life.
• Showing Up is Non-Negotiable: Glenn and Mike agree that simply showing up is a foundational part of "going to any length."
• Direction through Awareness: Self-awareness is key to understanding your proper direction and requires being open to new experiences.
• Inspired by The Purpose Driven Life: Drawing inspiration from Rick Warren's book, they advocate for incorporating spirituality and serving others into your plan.

Mike and Glenn emphasize that the time for passive wishing is over—it’s time to take action to achieve the life you want.

 Brian Mackender — Sober.Coffee’s very own barista extraordinaire — joins Mike and Glenn in the coffee shop for a special Christmas Eve conversation. Together, they dig into a few key ingredients of successful sobriety, including the value of showing up for meetings, staying grounded in the present moment, and recognizing the risks of overconfidence. Brian also brings his experience as the owner of Audiohive Podcasting in Crest Hill, Illinois, adding depth and an outside perspective to the discussion. Merry Christmas to all!

Dating in Sobriety: When Are You Ready?

Mike and Glenn welcome Jackie and Tommy for a frank discussion on dating, emphasizing that real relationships are built on honesty. The group explores the common guidance of waiting a full year of sobriety before dating, stressing that personal health must be the top priority. Key takeaways include:

• Prioritizing self-improvement before seeking a partner.
• "Comfort" does not equal "ready."
• Dating isn't just for singles—married couples should also invest in focused time together.
• The essential need to discuss relationship opportunities with a trusted mentor/sponsor ("someone who can read your label").
• A strong warning about trauma bonding and the importance of checking one's own motives as well as being aware of others'.
• The indispensable role of spirituality in making sound relationship decisions.