6 Years 320 days - Barber

6 Years 320 days - Barber

How do people find strength in their journey to sobriety? For comedian David Boyle, it often looks like a chaotic mix of family life, stand-up prep and random adventures in new cities. This short, punchy episode takes you along as Boyle wanders through Boston’s lesser-known suburbs, ending up in Chelsea, a predominantly Latino neighbourhood that instantly changes the pace of his day.

He drops into a local barber with his son and daughter, and suddenly you’re right there with them: football on the TV, loud music, hookah smoke drifting through the room and barbers sipping beers while they work. As Boyle puts it, “There’s a vibe, there’s an atmosphere to like barbers over here. You pay for the vibe.

You don’t pay for the haircut.” You’ll hear about his son’s regular fade, his wife’s strong views on shaved heads, and the old guy who pauses mid-haircut to skull a Corona in one go before calmly sitting back down. It’s messy, funny and very human – the kind of everyday scene that makes him half-miss having his own hair.

He also talks about his upcoming first stand-up gig in Boston, openly admitting he hasn’t really thought about his material yet, but trusting that a few ideas “bouncing around” in his head will be enough to get things rolling. From there, he riffs on his plans for a no-frills Patreon “writing sesh” – just him, a mic, a notepad and audience ideas that might actually end up on stage.

Anyone who enjoys raw humour, sobriety-themed reflection without the preachiness, and the odd rant about scheduling and hormone tests will feel right at home here. It’s scruffy, honest and quick – perfect if you want a five-minute check-in that makes you laugh and think about what small steps you’re taking in your own life. So, where’s your version of that lively barbershop – and are you ready to get things moving from there?