449- John R - Thirst Part 1

449- John R - Thirst Part 1

How do people find strength in their journey to sobriety? This conversation with John R from Buckinghamshire, England, offers a raw yet funny look at life before and after alcohol, with plenty of honesty, self-reflection, and a few laughs along the way.

John R shares how alcohol was woven into his life from childhood, describing himself as a kid who always knew “what room it was in” and later as an adult using it as “an imperfect tool” to change how he felt. He talks about growing up through divorce, difficult family dynamics, and the way booze quickly became both comfort and curse.

Now a stand-up comedian, author, and podcaster, John explains how comedy helped him handle tension and bullying at school, and how that quick-thinking mind later fed into performing, broadcasting, and, eventually, recovery. He chats about his shows *How Do You Cope?* and *The Ellis James and John Robbins Show*, where honest talk about mental health and alcohol became part of his public life.

A big focus is his book *Thirst*, framed around twelve different drinks and what they reveal about his relationship with alcohol. He’s clear that he isn’t repackaging AA, but trying to understand “why it took me 30-odd years to realise what a problem it was” and what alcohol “gave me” before it almost destroyed him.

You’ll also hear him wrestle openly with AA’s Tradition 11 and Step 12, talking about anonymity, motive-checking, and sharing experience responsibly when you have a public platform. His description of learning to speak to himself with compassion – asking, “What would love say?” – will resonate with anyone who’s ever felt buried in shame.

If you’re curious how someone goes from wanting to drink themselves to death to helping others find a way out, this one might be worth your time today.