Episode Guest: Dr. John – This is a "Get Well" Program, Not a "Feel Good" ProgramHosts Mike and Glenn welcome Dr. John to the sober.coffee shop for a raw, straight-shooting conversation about Alcoholics Anonymous, the reality of working the program, and what it truly takes to get well.The Reality of RecoveryDr. John doesn’t sugarcoat it: AA is not about rainbows, unicorns, and puppies. It is about getting well.With sobriety dating back to 1980—including a five-year "research sabbatical" (relapse) before getting sober for good in 2000—John uses his hindsight to fuel his insight. He views alcoholism as an "inside job." Alcohol was his soul food, and removing it leaves a void that must be filled. Even when joy and gratitude are hard to find, John emphasizes that you are still getting better.Key Takeaway: AA is a get well program, not a feel good program. When you are full of doubt and in a dark place, you have to trudge along, plot along, and stick around. It is in these tough times that you spiritually grow.The 3 Basics of Working the Program (In Real Time)When life gets heavy and you aren't "feeling it," John relies on three foundational steps:Be aware. Recognize where you are at.Check in. Talk with your sponsor and/or others in recovery.Pray on it. Seek guidance outside of yourself.The Trap of Self and EgoThe guys agree that when we have a problem with others, the root of the problem usually lies within ourselves. However, self cannot transform self, and ego cannot conquer ego. Because disturbed emotions impair our judgment, we cannot rely solely on our own thinking. God works through people—which is why AA is inherently a "we" program.When you find yourself emotionally disturbed, John offers a 3-step triage plan:Freeze: Stop and do not act.Check in with a sponsor: A pain shared is a pain halved, and an outside perspective is better equipped to take inventory.Pray for willingness: Pray for the willingness to accept and take direction.The 3 Types of Direction You Might Receive:According to Glenn, guidance from a sponsor or the program usually boils down to one of three truths:"It’s none of your business.""Live the Serenity Prayer.""That’s just what an AA is supposed to do."The Art of Sponsorship & SurrenderSurrender means accepting direction. John notes that a sponsor can only be as effective as the sponsee allows them to be, adding that working with a sponsor is much more of an art than a science.The Power of "I": John’s sponsor famously corrected him on using pronouns like "he, she, or they" when pointing fingers. The focus must always be on "I."Humility Check: John’s sponsor also gave him a great reality check: "When you think you have God's will figured out, come check with me."The "Broken" Paradox: The more broken we feel on the inside, the more potent we can become on the outside. John reminds listeners: You aren't a jerk/bad person; you are just acting like one.Honesty and EvolutionOnce you are sober, there is no longer a reason to lie. However, John drops a profound truth about the nature of recovery: "You can only be as honest as you are well." Because we grow over time, your truth today will look very different than your truth did five years ago.Final ThoughtWhat is relapse? According to Dr. John, relapse is simply what happens when you turn your back on recovery. Keep doing the basics, stay honest, and stick around.

Podcast Summary: What is Sober? ☕Doctor John rejoins Mike and Glen in the Sober.coffee shop to dissect a foundational question: "What is sober?" Together, the hosts challenge common misconceptions about recovery, emphasizing that true sobriety is a gritty, transformative journey rather than an instant emotional fix.Key TakeawaysThe Roadmap to True SobrietyAbstinence is only the baseline. True recovery requires moving past being "dry" by actively cultivating a willingness to change.The happiness myth. Abstinence does not automatically guarantee happiness, and expecting immediate joy can cause doubt.Insides vs. outsides. Comparing your internal struggles to the external appearances of others is a dangerous trap.A "get-well" program. Alcoholics Anonymous is designed for healing, not for providing a constant emotional high.Suffer better. Sobriety means learning to endure the "ism," understanding that spirituality—not AA alone—fills the inner void.Fluctuations are normal. It is completely acceptable to not feel okay, as enthusiasm for the program naturally ebbs and flows.The Karate Kid MetaphorBroken healers. Members of the program act as wounded healers, passing down survival tools to the next person.The humble guide. Like the janitor in The Karate Kid, a sponsor simply guides the newcomer using lived experience.Trust the process. Newcomers must practice honesty, openness, and willingness ("wax-on, wax-off") even when the steps do not make immediate sense.Principles of RecoveryAction over emotion. Willingness is the greatest principle, defined not by how you feel but by the actions you take.Feelings are not facts. Doing what feels good often leads to pain, while doing what is right eventually brings fulfillment.The second opinion. Check with a sponsor regularly to audit your true motives and align with a higher power.The ultimate definition. Being sober means fulfilling the ultimate human need to give unconditional love through 12th-step service work.Highlight Quotes🎙️ "We are broken healers to each other."🎙️ "If I do what feels good, it will eventually feel bad. If I do what is right, it will eventually feel good."🎬 Action Items for ListenersStop the comparison. Identify one area where you are comparing your internal feelings to someone else's external life, and let it go.Call your sponsor. Schedule a check-in this week to get a second opinion on your current motives and choices.Act without feeling. Choose one recovery action item today that you do not feel like doing, and execute it anyway.Engage in 12th-step work. Find a small, concrete way to offer unconditional love or support to a newcomer in your circle.

Podcast Summary: Sober.Coffee Episode #268Title: The Foundation of Recovery: A Tribute to Dr. JohnGuests: Dr. John (Rebroadcast from October 2022)Hosts: Mike and GlennEpisode OverviewIn this moving rebroadcast, Mike and Glenn return to a deep and revealing conversation with the late Dr. John, a trained physician and recovery doctor who dedicated his life to absolute service. With no agenda other than helping others achieve sobriety, Dr. John joins the "Sober Coffee Shop" to deconstruct Step 1 of Alcoholics Anonymous and explain why a "perfect" understanding of this foundation is the difference between life and death.The "Why" vs. The SolutionDr. John provides a clinical yet spiritual perspective on the disease, noting that "treatment can only be as effective as your diagnosis is accurate." While many therapies focus on symptom relief and analyzing the problem, Dr. John argues that AA is the "best therapy on the planet" because it focuses entirely on the solution.Insight isn't enough: John famously notes that "insight and $5 will get you simply a cup of coffee."The Difference: AA taught John that feeling better and getting well are two entirely different things.The "Screwed" Reality of Step 1The team discusses the staggering statistics of recovery: while millions suffer, many who enter AA leave and never return. Dr. John suggests that those who fail often fail because they do not thoroughly follow the path or fully grasp the weight of Step 1.The Diagnosis: Step 1 means you are "screwed." Alcoholism is a terminal illness—a "malignant soul."Powerlessness: It isn't just about the drink; it’s about the "ISM." Even with the "plug in the jug," the alcoholic still "ticks" the way they do because they have Alcoholism, not "Alcohol-wasm."The "Get Well" ProgramReflecting on his first year of sobriety, Dr. John confesses he almost left because he wasn't feeling the "joy" others described. An old-timer gave him the perspective that changed his life: "This is not a feel-good program; this is a get-well program."John emphasizes that humans are poor judges of their own progress. If you are doing the work—attending meetings, calling a sponsor, and praying—you are likely doing well, regardless of how you "feel" in the moment.Dr. John’s "Nuggets" for RecoveryDr. John leaves listeners with a powerful framework for a lasting transformation:AA is not a "feel-good" program: It is designed to save your life, not provide instant comfort.Alcoholism, not Alcohol-wasm: The disease remains active even when you are dry.Get Well, not Get Good: It’s about healing a diseased soul, not just "behaving" better.Dry vs. Sober: You can keep yourself dry alone, but it takes the program and fellowship to get sober.Transformation vs. Reformation: Recovery is a total internal shift found through the 12 steps and helping others."Rarely have we seen a person fail who has thoroughly followed our path." Dr. John’s takeaway: Maybe never has a person failed who truly follows the path. The principles are perfect; the people are not. Keep working the work.

Episode Summary: Suffer to Tougher:In this powerful episode, Mike and Glenn welcome author Marc Rogala to the Sober.Coffee shop to discuss his book and transformative journey, "Suffer to Tougher: From Rock Bottom to Real Strength."Marc’s story is one of profound transformation—moving from a state of wanting to die to a life filled with purpose and hope. Co-authored with fitness coach Kelsey Dunbar, the book serves as both a practical and foundational guide for those navigating the complexities of addiction and mental health.From Rock Bottom to Real Strength:Marc shares the raw details of his past, including his struggle with alcohol and drug abuse, which was further complicated by a dual diagnosis of PTSD. Like many, Marc grew up in an environment where he was taught to "man up" and face life’s challenges alone. This path eventually led him to a clinical near-death experience in July 2020. The turning point came when an impactful story from a speaker in the hospital sparked a desire to live. Today, driven by the memory of his cousin Beth, Marc dedicates his life to speaking, writing, and serving the recovery community.Key Insights & The "S2T" MovementThe book, which fell into place naturally through a conversational style, focuses on a mind-body rhythm and belongs to the self-help category. It is designed specifically for those dealing with addiction and underlying circumstances, offering a grounded framework for daily improvement.Marc’s actionable advice for those new to recovery:Check your ego: Be willing to ask for help.Seek medical advice: Professional guidance is crucial.Plug in: Join a support group like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA).Embrace change: Focus on progress over perfection.Prioritize wellness: Maintain a proper diet to support your recovery.Finding Hope:Whether you are feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or seeking to turn your pain into purpose, this episode highlights that there is a solution. As Marc notes, all it takes is a willingness to embrace the program to achieve a complete recovery and the confidence to be authentically you.Learn more: Suffertotougher.org Available on: Amazon and AbeBooks

In this episode of sober.coffee, Mike and Glenn sit down with Greg Downs, founder of ClearPath Financial Coaching, for a powerful conversation titled "A Clear Path to Sobriety."Greg shares his journey from being a high-profile financial advisor driven by ego to finding a new calling after a personal crisis landed him in a jail cell. It was there that Greg first heard "his story" through Alcoholics Anonymous, sparking a transformation that turned him from a student of the 12 steps into a teacher.The trio discusses how sobriety has become their "superpower," moving them from lives of grandiose thinking to a grounded, authentic peace. Greg now applies these recovery principles to money management, helping clients align their spending with their values by addressing the root behaviors—fear, guilt, and impulse—that drive financial instability.Key Takeaways from Greg:The 12-Week Reset: Greg uses a 12-week program (one step per week) to restructure financial habits using the proven framework of AA.Maintaining the Grounded Life: Greg stays sober and centered through daily service, leaning into beginners, and staying in constant contact with his recovery network.Financial Advice: He reminds listeners that "you are not your credit score." He advocates for building "guardrails" through accountability and learning to "pause" before making impulsive financial decisions.Tune in to hear how Greg, Mike, and Glenn have traded their old lives for a transparent, peaceful path forward.Greg can be followed on Instagram @gregdownscoach

Podcast Summary — “Say No to the Slippery Slope”In this unfiltered 30-minute conversation, Mike and Glenn dive deep into the gritty realities of sobriety — no scripts, no polish, just hard-earned truth. Their message is simple: staying sober isn't about perfection, it's about persistence.They reflect on how no matter how many rehabs a person has been to, the key is to keep trying. Recovery, they say, is not a solo sport — “The same brain that got us into this mess can’t get us out, alone.” Surrendering to Alcoholics Anonymous wasn’t a sign of weakness but of readiness. Both admit they hit bottom with no moves left — and one wrong step could send them sliding back down the slippery slope to alcoholic hell.Throughout their candid banter, they praise sponsors as “angels” — people who make a lifetime investment in others’ sobriety through guidance, discipline, and compassion. They also talk about the value of retreats, consistent meeting attendance, and the miracle of watching others stay sober and grow. The lessons are lived, not taught: “What we’ve learned is that this **** works.”Key takeaways:Sobriety takes time. It’s about “hunkering down,” staying in the work even when life hits hard — divorce, chaos, loss — because stability is built through consistency.Use the tools. Over time, practices like meetings, reading the Big Book, and connecting with others become second nature.Attraction over promotion. Let progress speak louder than preaching. Others will see your improvement.Empathy matters. Understanding those still suffering deepens your own recovery.Redemption takes time and effort. True change only happens when we step off the slippery slope and apply recovery principles daily.Action step: Read the 164 pages of the Alcoholics Anonymous Big Book, then bring them to life through meetings and active participation. Stay connected, avoid isolation, and keep saying no to that slippery slope.

Here is a summary of the podcast episode "Progress is Proof!" featuring author and teacher Justin Kinney:Core Themes & Recovery PhilosophyThe Foundation of Recovery: While service and the 12 steps are vital, Justin identifies Faith as the most important foundation for lasting sobriety.Defining Redemption: It isn't a one-time event but a state surrounded by daily disciplines that create the structure for a new life.Mindset Shift: You cannot fix a problem using the same brain that created it. Recovery requires surrender—setting aside your own ideas to adopt a better way of living.Faith vs. Culture: Justin describes his shift from being a "Christian by culture" to one of true conviction, letting God’s word guide his daily actions.Actionable Growth StrategiesThe 1% Rule: The goal is simply to get 1% better each day through consistent action.Building Priorities: To identify what matters, use trial and error, maintain strict accountability, and start small.Mind, Body, & Spirit: Growth requires strengthening all three areas simultaneously; peace is found when your "outside" life matches your "inside" reality.Listening to Grow: True progress begins by "shutting one’s mouth and opening one’s ears."Accountability & MentorshipThe Role of a Sponsor: In early recovery, taking direction is non-negotiable. A good sponsor trains the newcomer (much like a puppy) to build new habits.True Accountability: Surrender only truly kicks in when you are held accountable by others.Actions over Words: Words matter very little in recovery—"Progress is proof" and actions speak the loudest.Finding PeaceDefining Peace: Justin defines peace as the full acceptance of God and the ability to admit and accept everything moving around you.Authenticity: While it is possible to "master the fake," true peace is only found by consistently being your true self.Resources & RecommendationsBook Release: From Rock Bottom to Redemption by Justin Kinney (available on Amazon).Recommended Reading: Ryan Holiday’s writings on Stoicism and Night Driving by Chad Bird.Justin’s Non-Negotiables: Daily Bible reading and church attendance.Connect: Follow Justin on Instagram @justin_kinney_0609Closing Thought: Recovery starts with one small decision and action—just start.

Gemini saidSober.Coffee Episode 263: From Rock Bottom to RedemptionGuest: Justin Kinney, AuthorIn this episode, Mike and Glenn sit down with Justin Kinney to discuss the power of the written word in recovery and the release of his new daily devotional, From Rock Bottom to Redemption. Justin shares his journey from the "unmanageable" depths of alcohol abuse to building a life centered on peace, family, and gratitude.The Journey: From Depletion to FoundationJustin describes his rock bottom as a state of being physically depleted, mentally unstable, and spiritually empty. However, through treatment and the 12-steps, he discovered that his lowest point could actually serve as a firm foundation for a new life.The Power of Journaling: What started as a non-negotiable personal recovery tool evolved into a 365-day guide for others.Stoic Influence: Inspired by Stoic philosophy, the book offers daily reflections designed to be actionable, not just theoretical.Living Amends: The guys discuss how redemption isn't a race—it’s a slow process shaped by the "living amends" of our new selves.Key Pillars of the BookJustin’s approach to rebuilding a life is structured around three core themes:Faith: Finding a spiritual connection and purpose.Responsibility: Owning one's actions and their impact on others.Consistency: Making small, positive choices every single day."Your choices shape someone else’s world." — Justin KinneyEpisode HighlightsThe Ripple Effect: A deep dive into how our actions—positive or negative—inevitably affect the people around us.Writing as Therapy: How the discipline of daily writing can anchor a person in sobriety.Defining Success: Moving past external metrics to find success in sustained growth and internal peace.A Shared Mission: Why Mike, Glenn, and Justin continue to share their stories: because this lifestyle simply works.ResourcesJustin’s Book: From Rock Bottom to Redemption (Available on Amazon)Justin's Instagram: @justin_kinney_0609Target Audience: Written for "the stuck" and anyone looking for a daily alternative action plan.

No Bull ZoneThis week on the Sober.Coffee podcast, Mike and Glenn welcome Elizabeth and Erin into the coffee shop for a raw, unfiltered conversation. The group dives deep into the "No Bull Zone"—a space where manipulation is traded for authenticity and shame is replaced by genuine connection.Inside the EpisodeThe discussion starts with the heavy lifting: processing the remorse, shame, and guilt of past lives. Elizabeth and Erin share how they used to "stuff" emotions deep inside, using substances as their primary coping mechanism. The group agrees on a vital truth: unprocessed emotions are a one-way ticket back to a drink or a drug.They also tackle the elephant in the room—the many misconceptions surrounding Alcoholics Anonymous. By leaning into their "Girl Gang" network, Elizabeth and Erin have found a community rooted in authentic compassion and honest perspectives.Key HighlightsThe Power of Clarity: Choosing sobriety clears the mental fog, allowing for a sharper mind and a willingness to try new things.The "No Bull" Shift: Moving away from being "whoever you need to be" to manipulate others, and stepping into who you actually are.The Three Pillars of Modern Sobriety:Fun activitiesConsistent supportGenuine relationshipsLiving with Purpose: How hosting events and opening their homes has become a reflection of their pure motives and care for others.Actionable Advice for the Sober CuriousIf you're feeling anxious or pressured, the message is simple: Just get connected.Find a Navigator: Connect with someone who has successfully used the AA program to help you bypass the myths.Show Up: Get to a meeting.The "Emergency Toolkit"When a drink feels like the only solution, try these healthy coping mechanisms instead:Reach Out: Call a sober friend.Go to a Meeting: Get into a safe environment.Distract & Engage: Lean into a hobby or a good book.Change Your Setting: Get outdoors.Serve: Shift your focus by helping someone else."If you're honest with yourself and others, change is possible. You just need to find the No Bull Zone and embrace it."

Podcast Summary: The Weight Is OverIn this episode, Mike and Glenn are joined by Erin in the coffee shop for a candid conversation about the transformative power of sobriety and the collective journey of recovery. The trio explores the idea that we grow not just through our own experiences, but by listening to the struggles and successes of others.Erin’s Journey: From Defeat to FreedomErin opens up about her history, rooted in a family affected by alcoholism. Despite the pride she felt for her sisters’ recovery, she eventually found herself spiraling due to a combination of:Unresolved traumaFractured relationshipsDeteriorating self-esteemShe describes reaching a point of total defeat, where she no longer recognized herself and lived in fear of the person she had become. Her turning point came during a moment of surrender—when she decided she was simply done with the fight.The Path to HealingSince that moment, Erin has dedicated herself to a rigorous and holistic recovery process. Her success is built on two primary pillars:Alcoholics Anonymous: Fully immersing herself in the 12 Steps and the fellowship.Professional Therapy: Working with a therapist to process her past and manage the emotions that impact mental health.Today, Erin is "blessed with the removal of the obsession to drink." She highlights her "mental weight loss" as her greatest achievement, noting that true release is the natural byproduct of finding internal relief.Key Takeaways for Long-Term RecoveryThe group emphasizes that recovery isn't a destination, but a continuous practice of being a "better human."The Fellowship Factor: Being active in a recovery community is a key requirement for maintaining good mental health.The Danger of Old Thinking: Erin warns against the "pattern of thinking" that leads to relapse: If we think how we used to think, we will drink how we used to drink.Constant Maintenance: Erin processes new emotions by working the 12 steps constantly, ensuring she stays balanced.Erin’s Three PrioritiesTo stay on track, Erin focuses on:Staying ConnectedBeing InvolvedFostering a Recovery Community