How Loneliness Fuels Addiction: Chris Marshall’s Truth

Chris Marshall, founder of Sans Bar, shares his deeply personal journey from addiction to creating one of the first alcohol-free bars in the U.S. Recorded live at the Mindful Drinking Festival, Chris opens up about the wake-up call that led to his sobriety, the challenges of loneliness in addiction, and how he’s building a new social scene for sober and sober-curious people.

This eye-opening conversation dives into the stigma surrounding sobriety, the mental health struggles often overlooked in recovery, and the growing movement of alcohol-free spaces. If you're looking for inspiration, hope, and a fresh perspective on what it means to live alcohol-free, this episode is a must-watch.

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WATCH THE FULL EPISODE HERE:

https://youtu.be/_YaZX6hVHvs

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

1. Loneliness is a Major Factor in Addiction – Chris shares how isolation fueled his struggles with alcohol and how building a strong, sober community was essential to his recovery.

2. Sober Social Spaces Are Changing the Game – The creation of Sans Bar proves that people want alcohol-free environments where they can connect, have fun, and build relationships without the pressure to drink.

3. Mindful Drinking is a Growing Movement – Chris discusses how attitudes toward alcohol are shifting, with more people embracing sobriety or moderation as a way to improve their mental and physical well-being.

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In this episode of Soberness, a panel of top chefs and mixologists discusses the challenges and triumphs of staying sober in the high-pressure world of hospitality. Recorded live at the Mindful Drinking Festival, these culinary experts share their personal stories of addiction, recovery, and how mindfulness has shaped their approach to life.

Discover how the industry’s culture is shifting toward inclusivity, with non-alcoholic trends taking center stage and offering hope to those on their sobriety journey. Whether you're in hospitality or curious about the intersection of food and mindful living, this episode serves up plenty of inspiration and insight.

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WATCH THE FULL EPISODE HERE: https://youtu.be/SVUiX4hXNnE

LISTEN TO THE FULL AUDIO PODCASTS HERE: https://open.spotify.com/show/6CT7iEJi0PIzaVHxEBVZVi

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FOLLOW SOBERNESS:

Instagram @SobernessPodcast

TikTok @SobernessPodcast

YouTube @SobernessPodcast

TIME CODES:

00:00 Introduction

01:15 The pressure of hospitality and addiction

04:22 Why the industry normalizes alcohol use

07:48 Chef stories: Personal battles with sobriety

11:32 Finding balance in a high-stress kitchen

14:05 How mindfulness transformed their careers

17:20 The rise of non-alcoholic options in fine dining

20:35 Challenges of creating sober-friendly spaces

23:50 Advice for chefs and hospitality workers in recovery

26:45 Audience Q&A: Sober strategies for hospitality professionals

29:10 Closing remarks and future trends in mindful drinking

Keywords: chefs and sobriety, mindful drinking festival, sober hospitality, addiction in the food industry, non-alcoholic trends, sober chefs, mindfulness in hospitality, recovery stories from chefs, sobriety in fine dining, chefs and mental health, sober-friendly restaurants, culinary industry challenges, mindfulness and cooking, alcohol-free dining, sobriety in the kitchen, chefs overcoming addiction, hospitality and recovery, non-alcoholic beverage trends, sober living for chefs, mindful drinking movement.

DMC on Sobriety, Hip-Hop, and Finding Purpose | Soberness & Mindful Drinking Fest LIVE

In this powerful live episode of Soberness, hip-hop legend Darryl “DMC” McDaniels returns to share his remarkable journey from addiction to redemption at the Mindful Drinking Festival in Washington, DC. DMC, one-third of the groundbreaking group Run-D.M.C., discusses the pivotal moments that led him to sobriety, how childhood trauma and identity shaped his struggles, and the transformative power of vulnerability and creativity.

This candid conversation touches on the stigmas surrounding addiction in hip-hop, the importance of mental health, and why sharing honest stories can break down barriers. If you’re on your own recovery path or want to understand the resilience behind one of rap’s greatest icons, this episode is packed with inspiration, hope, and truth.

ABOUT THE SOBERNESS PODCAST

Soberness is a new podcast from Cat Greenleaf, creator and host of Talk Stoop.

Cat brings her legendary interviewing style and ten years of sobriety to wild conversations with celebrities and notable people who have been on their own sober journeys, either out loud in public or quietly at home.

Soberness is not a somber show about sobriety. It’s about the one-of-a-kind stories that define the lives of people we all know, sharing the aching humor and the meaning that comes with a life in recovery.

And it’s about how that life redefines the work and the art of the actors, musicians and thinkers around us.

Soberness is built upon the primary belief that there’s no one definition for sobriety and no one way to get sober …and there are a million stories that can lead the way for anyone who’s trying to make it happen.

WATCH THE FULL EPISODE HERE:

https://youtu.be/SVUiX4hXNnE

LISTEN TO THE FULL AUDIO PODCASTS HERE: https://open.spotify.com/show/6CT7iEJi0PIzaVHxEBVZVi

ABOUT CAT GREENLEAF

Cat Greenleaf is a veteran TV personality and host, best known for her long-running series, Talk Stoop, where she interviewed and entertained actors, musicians, politicians, and other notable folks on the stoop of her Brooklyn brownstone. When she’s not TV-ing, she’s working on her non-profit the Restorative Housing Organization which provides employment for formerly incarcerated folks and affordable waterfront housing. She also leads AA meetings for inmates at Bedford Hills Women’s Maximum Security Prison, and for formerly incarcerated men and women in East New York. She lives in Brooklyn’s Coney Island with her husband, two sons and three dogs.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

1. Honesty and Vulnerability are Powerful Tools: DMC emphasizes how opening up about his struggles with addiction and childhood trauma allowed him to heal and connect with others on similar journeys.

2. The Role of Identity and Adoption in Addiction: DMC shares insights into how his feelings of disconnection from his identity, amplified by learning about his adoption later in life, contributed to his struggles with alcohol.

3. Creativity as a Lifeline for Recovery: DMC explains how music, writing, and storytelling helped him rediscover purpose and build resilience, demonstrating the healing power of creative expression.

TIME CODES:

00:00 Introduction

02:11 DMC’s lowest point and discovery of adoption

03:59 Lyrics as hidden cries for help

05:08 The truth behind Run's House absence

14:03 Hope and being a vessel of positivity

17:09 Vulnerability in hip-hop culture

19:45 Childhood bullying and cycles of trauma

24:30 Sobriety and being Black in hip-hop

26:39 Approval-seeking and addiction triggers

29:06 Rehabilitation and spiritual growth

39:39 Searching for identity and Chapter 1

45:30 Meeting birth family and genetic ties to addiction

51:54 Dry January USA and Meharry Medical College

55:21 Practical mindfulness tool for sobriety

59:06 Impact of sobriety on creativity

01:02:01 Closing remarks and gratitude

Keywords: DMC live, Run-D.M.C. sobriety, Soberness podcast, hip-hop addiction recovery, addiction and trauma, Mindful Drinking Festival, hip-hop mental health, creativity and sobriety, overcoming addiction, DMC interview, alcohol-free movement, sober rap icons.

How a Podcast Became a Lifeline for Addicts | Soberness Podcast with David Manheim

In this heartfelt and hilarious episode of Soberness, David Manheim, creator of the Dopey podcast, shares how a show that began as a collection of funny addiction stories turned into a powerful recovery community. David opens up about the impact of humor and vulnerability in breaking down stigma, the lessons he’s learned from personal loss, and how storytelling can save lives. This conversation offers insight, hope, and plenty of raw honesty for anyone on the path to sobriety.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

1. Community is the Heart of Recovery: David explains how the Dopey podcast evolved from sharing funny addiction stories into a supportive community that offers connection, hope, and healing for people navigating sobriety.
   
   

2. The Power of Vulnerability and Humor: By blending raw honesty with humor, David shows how sharing personal struggles and failures can break down stigma and inspire others to embrace their own recovery journeys.
   
   

3. Loss as a Catalyst for Growth: The tragic death of Dopey co-host Chris illuminated the deep realities of addiction, reinforcing the importance of authenticity, support networks, and continual self-reflection in staying sober.
   
   

ABOUT THE SOBERNESS PODCAST

Soberness is a new podcast from Cat Greenleaf, creator and host of Talk Stoop.

Cat brings her legendary interviewing style and ten years of sobriety to wild conversations with celebrities and notable people who have been on their own sober journeys, either out loud in public or quietly at home.

Soberness is not a somber show about sobriety.

It’s about the one-of-a-kind stories that define the lives of people we all know, sharing the aching humor and the meaning that comes with a life in recovery.

And it’s about how that life redefines the work and the art of the actors, musicians and thinkers around us.

Soberness is built upon the primary belief that there’s no one definition for sobriety and no one way to get sober …and there are a million stories that can lead the way for anyone who’s trying to make it happen.

WATCH THE FULL EPISODE HERE: https://youtu.be/ct8D-3Lb2MM

LISTEN TO THE FULL AUDIO PODCASTS HERE: https://open.spotify.com/show/6CT7iEJi0PIzaVHxEBVZVi

ABOUT CAT GREENLEAF

Cat Greenleaf is a veteran TV personality and host, best known for her long-running series, Talk Stoop, where she interviewed and entertained actors, musicians, politicians, and other notable folks on the stoop of her Brooklyn brownstone. When she’s not TV-ing, she’s working on her non-profit the Restorative Housing Organization which provides employment for formerly incarcerated folks and affordable waterfront housing. She also leads AA meetings for inmates at Bedford Hills Women’s Maximum Security Prison, and for formerly incarcerated men and women in East New York. She lives in Brooklyn’s Coney Island with her husband, two sons and three dogs.

TIMECODES:

00:00 Introduction

00:42 The origins of Dopey podcast

03:56 From addiction stories to recovery focus

05:20 The veterinarian story and early podcast struggles

06:09 Why recovery became central after losing friends

10:27 Managing focus with ADHD and podcasting

12:07 Memories with Chris and their creative partnership

14:16 How personal loss shaped the show

17:20 Stories of persistence, tragedy, and growth

19:58 Lessons learned from community and resilience

Keywords: David Manheim, Dopey podcast, addiction recovery, recovery community, sobriety stories, humor in recovery, addiction and storytelling, personal loss and recovery, overcoming addiction, podcasting about sobriety, addiction humor, recovery journey, sober living, mental health and sobriety, using comedy to heal, addiction and vulnerability, building a recovery network, lessons from loss, sober storytelling, addiction and friendship, staying sober through connection.

In this inspiring episode of Soberness, Grammy-nominated artist Tracy Bonham opens up about her journey to sobriety and the role music played in her healing. Known for her hit single “Mother Mother” and her raw, emotional songwriting, Tracy shares how she used music as a tool to confront pain, process emotions, and find strength in recovery.

From the highs of a successful music career to the lows of addiction, Tracy reveals the moments that led her to choose sobriety and how creativity became her greatest ally. If you’re curious about the power of music to transform lives and inspire healing, this episode is a must-watch.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

1. Music as a Healing Tool: Tracy shares how creating and performing music became a therapeutic outlet that helped her process emotions, confront her struggles with addiction, and find a pathway to sobriety.
   
   

2. Creativity Can Be a Lifeline in Recovery: Tracy emphasizes the role of artistic expression in personal healing, showing how engaging in creative activities can provide strength, clarity, and resilience during the recovery journey.
   
   

3. The Pressure of Fame and Addiction: Tracy discusses the unique pressures of the music industry and how success, touring, and the demands of fame contributed to her struggle with alcohol, highlighting the importance of balance and mental health support.

ABOUT THE SOBERNESS PODCAST

Soberness is a new podcast from Cat Greenleaf, creator and host of Talk Stoop.

Cat brings her legendary interviewing style and ten years of sobriety to wild conversations with celebrities and notable people who have been on their own sober journeys, either out loud in public or quietly at home.

Soberness is not a somber show about sobriety.

It’s about the one-of-a-kind stories that define the lives of people we all know, sharing the aching humor and the meaning that comes with a life in recovery.

And it’s about how that life redefines the work and the art of the actors, musicians and thinkers around us.

Soberness is built upon the primary belief that there’s no one definition for sobriety and no one way to get sober …and there are a million stories that can lead the way for anyone who’s trying to make it happen.

WATCH THE FULL EPISODE HERE: https://youtu.be/Rkx0ROxpNH8

LISTEN TO THE FULL AUDIO PODCASTS HERE: https://open.spotify.com/show/6CT7iEJi0PIzaVHxEBVZVi

ABOUT CAT GREENLEAF

Cat Greenleaf is a veteran TV personality and host, best known for her long-running series, Talk Stoop, where she interviewed and entertained actors, musicians, politicians, and other notable folks on the stoop of her Brooklyn brownstone. When she’s not TV-ing, she’s working on her non-profit the Restorative Housing Organization which provides employment for formerly incarcerated folks and affordable waterfront housing. She also leads AA meetings for inmates at Bedford Hills Women’s Maximum Security Prison, and for formerly incarcerated men and women in East New York. She lives in Brooklyn’s Coney Island with her husband, two sons and three dogs.

TIMECODES:

00:00 Introduction

02:15 Tracy's Early Musical Influences

05:30 Turning Pain into Music

08:45 Tracy’s Battle with Addiction

12:10 Sobriety and Creativity

15:20 Finding Healing Through Music

18:35 The Role of Therapy in Recovery

21:50 Challenges of Staying Sober

25:05 Advice for Aspiring Musicians

28:30 Tracy’s Message to People in Recovery

Keywords: Tracy Bonham, Soberness podcast, music and addiction recovery, healing through music, overcoming addiction, Grammy-nominated artist sobriety, addiction recovery journey, music therapy for sobriety, Tracy Bonham interview, using creativity in recovery, the power of music.

Episode Description:

It's Christmas time, not just in Hollis Queens! While RUN DMC's classic holiday smash is in heavy rotation, check out this heartfelt episode of Soberness. Darryl “DMC” McDaniels, one-third of the legendary hip-hop group Run-DMC, opens up about his struggles with addiction, depression, and finding purpose beyond fame. DMC shares the pivotal moments that led him to sobriety, the role therapy played in his healing, and how creativity and self-discovery saved his life.

This powerful conversation explores the dark side of fame, the weight of guilt and shame, and the transformative power of vulnerability. If you’re seeking inspiration on your own recovery journey or looking to understand the depths of addiction and redemption, this episode offers hope and wisdom.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

1. **Therapy as a Lifeline**: DMC highlights how therapy helped him confront and process the guilt, shame, and unresolved emotions that fueled his addiction, showing the importance of seeking professional help.

2. **The Power of Creativity**: Embracing creative outlets like writing and comic books played a significant role in DMC’s recovery, offering him a way to reconnect with his identity and purpose.

3. **Purpose Beyond Fame**: DMC shares how discovering a purpose outside of his music career gave his life new meaning, reminding us that recovery is not just about abstaining from substances but building a fulfilling life.

ABOUT THE SOBERNESS PODCAST

Soberness is a new podcast from Cat Greenleaf, creator and host of Talk Stoop.

Cat brings her legendary interviewing style and ten years of sobriety to wild conversations with celebrities and notable people who have been on their own sober journeys, either out loud in public or quietly at home.

Soberness is not a somber show about sobriety.

It’s about the one-of-a-kind stories that define the lives of people we all know, sharing the aching humor and the meaning that comes with a life in recovery.

And it’s about how that life redefines the work and the art of the actors, musicians and thinkers around us.

Soberness is built upon the primary belief that there’s no one definition for sobriety and no one way to get sober …and there are a million stories that can lead the way for anyone who’s trying to make it happen.

WATCH THE FULL EPISODE HERE:

https://youtu.be/w3toqqt4hFs

LISTEN TO THE FULL AUDIO PODCASTS HERE: https://open.spotify.com/show/6CT7iEJi0PIzaVHxEBVZVi

ABOUT CAT GREENLEAF

Cat Greenleaf is a veteran TV personality and host, best known for her long-running series, Talk Stoop, where she interviewed and entertained actors, musicians, politicians, and other notable folks on the stoop of her Brooklyn brownstone. When she’s not TV-ing, she’s working on her non-profit the Restorative Housing Organization which provides employment for formerly incarcerated folks and affordable waterfront housing. She also leads AA meetings for inmates at Bedford Hills Women’s Maximum Security Prison, and for formerly incarcerated men and women in East New York. She lives in Brooklyn’s Coney Island with her husband, two sons and three dogs.

Keywords: DMC sobriety, Run-DMC recovery, hip-hop addiction stories, overcoming addiction, therapy and healing, finding purpose in recovery, guilt and shame in addiction, creative outlets in sobriety, mental health and music, fame and addiction struggles, addiction recovery journey, DMC comic book passion, Run-DMC redemption, recovery wisdom, Darryl McDaniels sobriety story, healing through creativity, depression and sobriety, inspiring recovery stories, hip-hop mental health, Run-DMC life lessons.

Episode Description:
In this emotional and deeply honest episode of Soberness, legendary actor and voice artist Hank Azaria opens up about his sobriety journey and the role his dear friend, the late Matthew Perry, played in helping him find recovery. Best known for his work on The Simpsons and iconic roles in film and TV, Hank shares how addiction, childhood trauma, and love addiction shaped his life and career.

• The moment Matthew Perry inspired him to seek help for his addiction.

• How fame amplified his struggles with alcohol and emotional dependency.

• The connection between childhood trauma and addictive behaviors.

• Why emotional sobriety—beyond just quitting substances—is key to true recovery.

This candid conversation reveals a side of Hank Azaria that few have seen, offering powerful insights, hope, and a reminder that recovery is about connection, not perfection. If you’re on your own sobriety journey or supporting someone who is, this episode is a must-watch.

ABOUT THE SOBERNESS PODCAST

Soberness is a new podcast from Cat Greenleaf, creator and host of Talk Stoop.

Cat brings her legendary interviewing style and ten years of sobriety to wild conversations with celebrities and notable people who have been on their own sober journeys, either out loud in public or quietly at home.

Soberness is not a somber show about sobriety.

It’s about the one-of-a-kind stories that define the lives of people we all know, sharing the aching humor and the meaning that comes with a life in recovery.

And it’s about how that life redefines the work and the art of the actors, musicians and thinkers around us.

Soberness is built upon the primary belief that there’s no one definition for sobriety and no one way to get sober …and there are a million stories that can lead the way for anyone who’s trying to make it happen.

WATCH THE FULL EPISODE HERE:

https://youtu.be/_T1FeK3bC5g

LISTEN TO THE FULL AUDIO PODCASTS HERE: https://open.spotify.com/show/6CT7iEJi0PIzaVHxEBVZVi

ABOUT CAT GREENLEAF

Cat Greenleaf is a veteran TV personality and host, best known for her long-running series, Talk Stoop, where she interviewed and entertained actors, musicians, politicians, and other notable folks on the stoop of her Brooklyn brownstone. When she’s not TV-ing, she’s working on her non-profit the Restorative Housing Organization which provides employment for formerly incarcerated folks and affordable waterfront housing. She also leads AA meetings for inmates at Bedford Hills Women’s Maximum Security Prison, and for formerly incarcerated men and women in East New York. She lives in Brooklyn’s Coney Island with her husband, two sons and three dogs.

Keywords: Hank Azaria, Matthew Perry sobriety, Soberness podcast, addiction recovery stories, emotional sobriety, childhood trauma and addiction, Hank Azaria interview, recovery journey, famous sobriety stories, overcoming addiction, Matthew Perry inspiration.