This episode centers on writer Barrett Swanson’s exploration of sobriety, grief, and the cultural forces shaping alcohol use in the Midwest, especially in places like La Crosse, Wisconsin. The conversation begins with reflections on early drinking culture, how normalized alcohol is in college towns, and how quickly binge drinking becomes part of identity, friendship, and social life.

Barrett shares the story of losing a close friend, Luke, during a chaotic period tied to heavy drinking in La Crosse. The sudden loss and the community’s quick explanation of it as a “tragic accident” left unresolved grief and confusion. That emotional gap eventually pulled him into the “Smiley Face Killer” conspiracy theory rabbit hole, less as a belief, and more as an attempt to make sense of grief that felt too disjointed for simple answers.

The discussion expands into how communities often turn to narratives, sometimes conspiratorial, to avoid confronting deeper structural issues like alcohol culture and shared responsibility. Barrett reflects on how both individuals and communities can externalize blame in ways that delay meaningful change.

The conversation then shifts to Barrett’s essay on Bonnaroo and the sober community “Soberoo,” where he examines sobriety beyond just abstaining from alcohol. There, he discovers “spiritual sobriety”, a practice rooted in presence, kindness, and emotional discipline even in chaotic, high-intensity environments.

Guest: Barrett Swanson, short story writer and essayist, barrettswanson.com

Mentioned Articles: Midwestern gothic: Trawling the murky depths of conspiracy theory in the wake of personal tragedy

HIGH AND DRY Sobriety and transcendence at Bonnaroo By Barrett Swanson

Hosts: Brent Hanifl, William Stobb, and Paige Geiser

Theme Song: Sober in October - by Gregg Hall & The Wrecking Ball - https://gregghallmusic.com

You’re listening to Wisconsin Sober, the podcast that explores Wisconsin’s complicated relationship with alcohol. Through digging into the state’s history, culture, and the lasting effects of drinking, this podcast seeks to understand—rather than demonize—alcohol’s role in Wisconsin life, while exploring what meaningful change could look like.

This episode of Wisconsin Sober features Billy as the guest, sharing a powerful and honest conversation about addiction, recovery, and rebuilding life after years of substance use.

Billy’s personal story, including how long-term alcohol use eventually escalated into drug addiction during the COVID era, leading to a major turning point and his decision to enter rehab.

The conversation also explores the idea of “rock bottom” and the importance of personal readiness for change. Rather than being something forced by others, recovery is framed as a decision that happens when someone is truly ready to shift their life.

Finally, the episode reflects on how sobriety changes relationships, health, and daily decision-making. While the past isn’t erased, it is reframed, and a new sense of clarity, presence, and stability begins to take shape one day at a time.

Guest: Billy

Hosts: Brent Hanifl, William Stobb, and Paige Geiser

Theme Song: Sober in October - by Gregg Hall & The Wrecking Ball - https://gregghallmusic.com

You’re listening to Wisconsin Sober, the podcast that explores Wisconsin’s complicated relationship with alcohol. Through digging into the state’s history, culture, and the lasting effects of drinking, this podcast seeks to understand—rather than demonize—alcohol’s role in Wisconsin life, while exploring what meaningful change could look like.

Musician Gregg Hall joins the conversation to share his story of sobriety, reflection, and creative renewal. Gregg, now eight years sober from alcohol, performs an original song that reflects on daily struggles, resilience, and choosing a better path for himself and his family.

The discussion explores Gregg’s upbringing in a Midwest drinking culture where alcohol was normalized through family gatherings, bars, and social life. He reflects on how drinking was once tied to identity, friendship, and the music scene, especially in live performance culture, where alcohol was deeply embedded.

Gregg shares the turning point that led him to quit drinking: not a single rock bottom moment, but a gradual realization that alcohol was holding him back physically, mentally, and creatively. He discusses the challenges of early sobriety, including performing in environments where drinking was expected, and the shift in relationships that followed.

Over time, sobriety opened new doors, improving his songwriting, strengthening family relationships, and allowing him to pursue recording opportunities in places like Nashville and Muscle Shoals. He also reflects on personal growth, mental health awareness, and alternative tools like meditation, spirituality, and recovery practices that support his sobriety.

The conversation closes with Greg performing “Sober in October,” a song centered on relapse, recovery, and the ongoing process of choosing change one day at a time.

Guest: Gregg Hall, Musician, gregghallmusic.com

Hosts: Brent Hanifl, William Stobb, and Paige Geiser

Theme Song: Sober in October - by Gregg Hall & The Wrecking Ball - https://gregghallmusic.com

You’re listening to Wisconsin Sober, the podcast that explores Wisconsin’s complicated relationship with alcohol. Through digging into the state’s history, culture, and the lasting effects of drinking, this podcast seeks to understand—rather than demonize—alcohol’s role in Wisconsin life, while exploring what meaningful change could look like.

In this episode of Wisconsin Sober, the conversation expands into modern parallels: how disconnection, loneliness, and digital life contribute to reduced in-person social interaction and shifting drinking habits, especially among younger generations. The guest, Dr. Ryan McKelley, Ph.D., LP, HSP, a psychologist and professor at UW-La Crosse, highlights how device-based “connection” often replaces real-world belonging.

A major theme emerges around self-erasure, the idea of diminishing or suppressing parts of oneself to cope, fit in, or avoid discomfort. Alcohol is discussed as a powerful tool for this: reducing anxiety, numbing pain, and temporarily increasing social ease, but at a long-term cost when it becomes a default coping mechanism.

Guest: Ryan A. McKelley, Ph.D., Licensed Psychologist and Professor of Clinical/Counseling Psychology, University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, https://drmckelley.com. 

Mentioned Videos: National polling by Gallup shows alcohol consumption across the U.S. has dropped…

Hosts: Brent Hanifl and Paige Geiser

Theme Song: Sober in October - by Gregg Hall & The Wrecking Ball - https://gregghallmusic.com

You’re listening to Wisconsin Sober, the podcast that explores Wisconsin’s complicated relationship with alcohol. Through digging into the state’s history, culture, and the lasting effects of drinking, this podcast seeks to understand—rather than demonize—alcohol’s role in Wisconsin life, while exploring what meaningful change could look like.

The history of Wisconsin breweries and tavern culture—from Pabst to La Crosse—exploring how industry, geography, and immigrant identity fused to shape the state’s drinking legacy. Featuring insights from La Crosse Public Library archivist Scott Brouwer, the episode traces how German brewing traditions, Mississippi River trade routes, rail infrastructure, and glacial water sources helped turn La Crosse into one of the most beer-saturated cities in America.

From prohibition “near beer” loopholes and moonshine operations to post-prohibition tavern culture and modern craft brewing, the conversation reveals how alcohol production adapted rather than disappeared during prohibition. Stories of FBI raids, underground stills, and a 14-foot basement brewery illustrate how deeply embedded alcohol was in everyday life.

The episode also examines the economic and cultural scale of brewing in Wisconsin, where breweries employed thousands, bars once lined nearly every block, and beer was both a commodity and a community identity. Ultimately, it raises a broader reflection: why do societies romanticize the very substances that can destroy them, and how did Wisconsin become one of the clearest examples of that paradox?

Guest: Scott Brouwer, Archivist, https://archives.lacrosselibrary.org

Hosts: Brent Hanifl, William Stobb, and Paige Geiser

Theme Song: Sober in October - by Gregg Hall & The Wrecking Ball - https://gregghallmusic.com

You’re listening to Wisconsin Sober, the podcast that explores Wisconsin’s complicated relationship with alcohol. Through digging into the state’s history, culture, and the lasting effects of drinking, this podcast seeks to understand—rather than demonize—alcohol’s role in Wisconsin life, while exploring what meaningful change could look like.

This episode of Wisconsin Sober explores the idea of “third spaces”,  the places where we gather, connect, and build community, and how alcohol has historically filled that role in Wisconsin culture. Through a mix of humor, history, and personal reflection, the hosts sit down with outdoor entrepreneur Jed Olson to unpack how drinking became embedded in social life, from early taverns to modern gatherings.

The conversation traces alcohol’s deep roots in American and Wisconsin history, while also questioning its role as the default social glue. Jed introduces the idea that alcohol often replaces multiple elements of connection,  acting as a shortcut for community, and challenges listeners to rethink how we gather without it.

The episode highlights outdoor spaces as a powerful alternative: accessible, meaningful, and often free. From trail systems to simple shared experiences, the group discusses how intentional design, community investment, and small “nudges” can help people rediscover connection beyond drinking.

Guest: Jed Olson, Outdoor Entrepreneur and Creator of https://ndge.app

Hosts: Brent Hanifl, William Stobb, and Paige Geiser

Theme Song: Sober in October - by Gregg Hall & The Wrecking Ball - https://gregghallmusic.com

You’re listening to Wisconsin Sober, the podcast that explores Wisconsin’s complicated relationship with alcohol. Through digging into the state’s history, culture, and the lasting effects of drinking, this podcast seeks to understand—rather than demonize—alcohol’s role in Wisconsin life, while exploring what meaningful change could look like.

We explore the question at the heart of the series: why is drinking culture so deeply ingrained in places like La Crosse, Wisconsin? Using this college town as a lens, we examine patterns of binge drinking, community norms, and the tragedies that continue to surface. Joined by Brett Knutson, President & CEO of Driftless Recovery Services, the conversation brings professional insight into addiction, recovery, and the broader human struggle with alcohol. This episode sets the foundation for a deeper, honest look at culture, behavior, and change.

Guest: Brett Knutson, MS, LPC, President & CEO - https://www.driftlessrecovery.com

Hosts: Brent Hanifl, William Stobb, and Paige Geiser

Theme Song: Sober in October - by Gregg Hall & The Wrecking Ball - https://gregghallmusic.com

You’re listening to Wisconsin Sober, the podcast that explores Wisconsin’s complicated relationship with alcohol. Through digging into the state’s history, culture, and the lasting effects of drinking, this podcast seeks to understand—rather than demonize—alcohol’s role in Wisconsin life, while exploring what meaningful change could look like.

Wisconsin Sober introduces the voices behind the podcast and the personal stories that sparked it. From growing up in a culture where alcohol is everywhere to questioning its deeper impact, the team reflects on their own experiences and what they’ve learned through conversations with experts, locals, and those navigating sobriety.

Blending humor, honesty, and hard truths, this episode explores Wisconsin’s deep-rooted drinking culture, its normalization, its consequences, and the moments that make people stop and ask why. It’s not about judgment, it’s about understanding, curiosity, and opening the door to change.

Hosts: Brent Hanifl, William Stobb, and Paige Geiser

Theme Song: Sober in October - by Gregg Hall & The Wrecking Ball - https://gregghallmusic.com

You’re listening to Wisconsin Sober, the podcast that explores Wisconsin’s complicated relationship with alcohol. Through digging into the state’s history, culture, and the lasting effects of drinking, this podcast seeks to understand—rather than demonize—alcohol’s role in Wisconsin life, while exploring what meaningful change could look like.