What if the strongest thing a leader could do was ask for help?

In this compelling episode of This Sober Vet, retired Army Major Sam DeBold shares his deeply personal journey through trauma, alcohol addiction, and recovery after years of carrying burdens that few people ever saw.

Sam reflects on the childhood experiences that shaped his relationship with alcohol, the impact of military service and deployment, and how self-medication slowly became a way of coping with unresolved pain. He also explains the science behind addiction, why alcohol changes the brain, and the life-changing lessons he learned during treatment and recovery.

More importantly, Sam discusses how honesty, vulnerability, community, and self-awareness became the foundation for lasting sobriety—and why recovery has given him greater peace, purpose, and clarity than he ever thought possible.

Whether you're an active-duty service member, Veteran, first responder, family member, or someone struggling with addiction, Sam's story offers practical insight and hope that recovery is possible regardless of how long you've been fighting.

In this episode:

• Life as a retired Army Major
• Trauma and alcohol addiction
• The neuroscience of addiction
• Military leadership and mental health
• Recovery through honesty and community
• Finding peace after addiction

Real strength isn't pretending you're okay—it's having the courage to face what's hurting you and choosing a different path.

Our mission is simple: Normalize sobriety with Veterans.

Learn more at www.thissobervet.com

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Can faith, honesty, and vulnerability transform even the deepest wounds?

In this moving episode of This Sober Vet, Army Veteran and former Combat Medic Marie Henriksen shares her courageous journey through trauma, PTSD, alcoholism, and recovery. Through powerful storytelling and deeply personal poetry, Marie reveals how healing became possible by embracing faith, community, therapy, and the courage to face her past.

Marie reflects on her military experiences, the emotional weight she carried after service, and how alcohol became a way to cope with pain. She also discusses the turning points that led her toward sobriety, why relapse can be part of recovery, and how writing poetry became an outlet for healing and hope.

Together, Joe and Marie explore compassion fatigue, setting healthy boundaries, the importance of authentic connection, and what it truly means to surrender control while pursuing a life of purpose.

Whether you're an active-duty service member, Veteran, first responder, trauma survivor, family member, or someone searching for hope after addiction, Marie's story demonstrates that healing begins with honesty and grows through faith, resilience, and community.

In this episode:

• Life as an Army Combat Medic
• PTSD and trauma recovery
• Alcoholism and sobriety
• Faith and spiritual healing
• Poetry as a path to recovery
• Compassion fatigue and self-care
• Building resilience after adversity

Your past may shape your story, but it doesn't have to define your future.

Be sure to explore Marie's work through Sliderbabe Poetry and Art for more reflections on resilience, healing, and hope.

Our mission is simple: Normalize sobriety with Veterans.

Learn more at www.thissobervet.com

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What if the greatest battle of your life wasn't fought overseas—but within yourself?

In one of the most powerful conversations on This Sober Vet, former Navy SEAL, BUD/S instructor, and founder of The Arete Path, Kevin Stark shares his deeply personal journey from elite military service and alcohol dependence to authentic leadership, lasting sobriety, and purposeful living.

Kevin explains how the culture of performance, masculinity, and achievement can sometimes hide struggles with alcohol and emotional pain. He opens up about the role ego played in his life, the difficult decisions that led him toward recovery, and why true strength begins with honesty, humility, and vulnerability.

Together, Joe and Kevin explore the importance of faith, brotherhood, discipline, rites of passage, and community in building a life of integrity after addiction.

Whether you're a Veteran, active-duty service member, first responder, business leader, athlete, parent, or anyone seeking freedom from destructive habits, Kevin's story offers practical wisdom for becoming stronger in mind, body, and spirit.

In this episode:

• Life as a Navy SEAL and BUD/S instructor
• Alcohol addiction and recovery
• Leadership beyond the battlefield
• Breaking free from ego
• Faith, discipline, and authentic masculinity
• The mission behind The Arete Path
• Building a life of purpose after recovery

The strongest warriors aren't the ones who never struggle—they're the ones willing to confront themselves with courage and humility.

Learn more about Kevin's work through The Arete Path and discover how character, community, and intentional living can shape a lasting legacy.

Our mission is simple: Normalize sobriety with Veterans.

Learn more at www.thissobervet.com

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Can healing begin when you're finally willing to face the pain you've been trying to escape?

In this thoughtful episode of This Sober Vet, Air Force Veteran Wes Cornett shares his journey from deployments, military drinking culture, and alcoholism to lasting sobriety, therapy, writing, and endurance athletics.

Wes reflects on how alcohol gradually became part of his life during military service, the challenges it created in his relationships, and the difficult but rewarding process of learning self-forgiveness. He explains how therapy, writing his novel Tumbling Dice, and training for ultra marathons became meaningful parts of his recovery and personal growth.

Joe, Dr. T, and Wes discuss why healing requires honesty, why asking for help takes courage, and how sobriety can open the door to a completely different life.

Whether you're an active-duty service member, Veteran, first responder, family member, or someone struggling with alcohol addiction, Wes's story demonstrates that recovery is built through consistent action, self-reflection, and hope.

In this episode:

• Life as an Air Force Veteran
• Military drinking culture
• Alcohol addiction and recovery
• The value of therapy
• Writing Tumbling Dice
• Ultra marathons and resilience
• Self-forgiveness and rebuilding relationships

Healing begins the moment you're willing to believe that your past doesn't have to define your future.

Be sure to check out Wes's podcast and his novel Tumbling Dice to learn more about his journey.

Our mission is simple: Normalize sobriety with Veterans.

Learn more at www.thissobervet.com

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Can running become a powerful tool for recovery?

In this inspiring episode of This Sober Vet, Marine Veteran Dan Bridges shares how he broke free from alcohol addiction and discovered a new purpose through sobriety, endurance running, and the support of a strong recovery community.

Dan reflects on his military service, the gradual progression of alcohol in his life, and the turning points that convinced him it was time to ask for help. He also explains why marathon training became more than a fitness goal—it became a daily reminder of the discipline, consistency, and resilience required to build a life in recovery.

Joe and Dan explore the similarities between training for a marathon and maintaining long-term sobriety, emphasizing that meaningful progress comes one day—and one step—at a time.

Whether you're an active-duty service member, Veteran, first responder, runner, family member, or someone seeking freedom from alcohol addiction, Dan's story is proof that recovery is possible and that healthy habits can become the foundation of a new life.

In this episode:

• Life as a Marine Veteran
• Alcohol addiction and recovery
• Asking for help
• Marathon running and sobriety
• The importance of community
• Building healthy habits after addiction

Recovery isn't a sprint—it's a lifelong journey built one intentional step at a time.

Our mission is simple: Normalize sobriety with Veterans.

Learn more at www.thissobervet.com

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What happens when an Air Force Veteran decides that alcohol is no longer part of the mission?

In this inspiring episode of This Sober Vet, Air Force Veteran Anthony Dyer shares his deeply personal journey from military service and alcoholism to lasting sobriety, intentional living, and helping others through his writing.

Anthony reflects on his experiences in the Air Force, the challenges of transitioning into civilian life, and the role alcohol played as he tried to navigate life after service. He explains the turning points that led him to recovery, the importance of surrounding yourself with the right people, and why living with purpose has become his new mission.

Anthony also discusses becoming an author and why sharing his story is one of the most meaningful ways he can serve others who are facing similar struggles.

Whether you're an active-duty service member, Veteran, first responder, family member, or someone questioning your relationship with alcohol, Anthony's journey is a reminder that recovery isn't simply about quitting drinking—it's about creating a life worth staying sober for.

In this episode:

• Life as an Air Force Veteran
• Alcohol addiction and recovery
• Military-to-civilian transition
• Building a strong support system
• Living with intention after sobriety
• Becoming an author to help others

Recovery begins with one decision, but purpose is what keeps you moving forward.

Be sure to check out Anthony's book, Moon Child, and continue following his journey of recovery and service.

Our mission is simple: Normalize sobriety with Veterans.

Learn more at www.thissobervet.com

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How do you move forward after witnessing the realities of war?

In this powerful episode of This Sober Vet, Marine Veteran Matt Boelhower reflects on his deployment to Ramadi, Iraq, where his unit held The Combat Outpost for seven months under relentless combat conditions. During that deployment, his unit lost 34 Marines, while many more were wounded—experiences that would shape the years that followed.

Like many Veterans, Matt turned to alcohol after returning home. What started as a way to unwind gradually became part of everyday life until one missed family event caused by a night of drinking forced him to reevaluate what mattered most.

Today, with more than 600 days of sobriety, Matt serves as a law enforcement officer, trains in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and has found another outlet for healing through writing. He is also the author of Heroes and Dirt: A Collection of Poems from a Marine Corps Veteran of the Iraq War.

Whether you're an active-duty service member, Veteran, first responder, family member, or someone considering a life free from alcohol, Matt's story is a reminder that healing often begins with one decision—and grows through daily commitment.

In this episode:

• Combat in Ramadi, Iraq
• Serving at The Combat Outpost
• Life after combat
• Alcohol recovery and sobriety
• Family as motivation
• Law enforcement after military service
• Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and resilience
• Writing Heroes and Dirt

Recovery doesn't erase the past—it gives you the strength to honor it while building a better future.

Our mission is simple: Normalize sobriety with Veterans.

Learn more at www.thissobervet.com

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What happens when years of combat, trauma, and loss become too much to carry alone?

In one of the most powerful episodes of This Sober Vet, Air Force Veteran Jimmy, a former loadmaster with five combat deployments, shares his extraordinary journey through trauma, alcohol addiction, multiple suicide attempts, and ultimately lasting recovery.

Throughout his deployments, Jimmy was responsible for bringing home the remains of fallen service members, supported Special Operations missions, and survived a 107mm rocket attack. As the emotional weight grew heavier, alcohol became his way of coping—eventually leading to withdrawal symptoms during a deployment and a life that felt increasingly out of control.

Everything changed when Jimmy chose sobriety. Today, through his work with US VETS, he dedicates his life to helping Veterans experiencing addiction and homelessness rebuild their lives.

His story is a powerful reminder that even after unimaginable hardship, purpose can still be found.

Whether you're an active-duty service member, Veteran, first responder, family member, or someone struggling with trauma or addiction, Jimmy's story offers hope that recovery is possible and that asking for help is an act of courage.

In this episode:

• Five combat deployments
• Supporting Special Operations missions
• Combat trauma and loss
• Alcohol addiction and withdrawal
• Multiple suicide attempts
• Recovery and sobriety
• Helping homeless Veterans through US VETS

No matter how dark the road becomes, recovery can lead you toward a mission greater than yourself.

Our mission is simple: Normalize sobriety with Veterans.

Learn more at www.thissobervet.com

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Can sobriety become the foundation for a life of leadership and service?

In this inspiring episode of This Sober Vet, Marine Veteran Ryan shares his deeply personal journey from combat deployments during Operation Iraqi Freedom, through alcoholism and the difficult transition to civilian life, to becoming the CEO of Clear Path for Veterans.

Ryan reflects on the loss of fellow Marines, the military drinking culture that shaped his early years, and three traumatic experiences that ultimately led him to rock bottom. But his greatest challenge began after he stopped drinking. Through recovery, a local men's group, and a renewed sense of purpose, Ryan rebuilt his life and dedicated himself to serving fellow Veterans.

Today, as CEO of Clear Path for Veterans, he helps Veterans heal through wellness programs and the powerful bond between humans and service dogs.

Whether you're an active-duty service member, Veteran, first responder, family member, or someone seeking hope after addiction, Ryan's story demonstrates how recovery can lead to a life of impact far greater than you ever imagined.

In this episode:

• Operation Iraqi Freedom
• Marine Corps culture and alcohol
• Military transition challenges
• Alcoholism and recovery
• Leadership after sobriety
• Clear Path for Veterans
• Service dogs and Veteran wellness

Sobriety doesn't simply change your life—it prepares you to change the lives of others.

Our mission is simple: Normalize sobriety with Veterans.

Learn more at www.thissobervet.com

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How far can addiction take someone—and how far can recovery bring them back?

In this powerful episode of This Sober Vet, Marine Veteran Jerry shares his remarkable journey from alcohol addiction to opioids, crystal meth, incarceration, and ultimately lasting sobriety through faith, accountability, and the support of Veterans Court.

Jerry speaks openly about the progression of addiction, the consequences that followed, and the turning point that changed the course of his life. Now more than eight years sober, he reflects on rebuilding relationships, rediscovering his faith, and becoming the husband, father, and man he always wanted to be.

His story is proof that no matter how deep addiction becomes, recovery and redemption remain possible.

Whether you're an active-duty service member, Veteran, first responder, family member, or someone struggling with addiction, Jerry's story offers hope that lasting change can happen—one decision at a time.

In this episode:

• Life as a Marine Veteran
• Alcohol, opioid, and meth addiction
• Incarceration and Veterans Court
• Faith-based recovery
• Eight years of sobriety
• Restoring family relationships and purpose

Your worst decisions don't have to define your future. Recovery gives you the opportunity to write a new story.

Our mission is simple: Normalize sobriety with Veterans.

Learn more at www.thissobervet.com

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