7 Years 94 days - Horse Riding7 Years 94 days - Horse Riding
I'm Quitting Alcohol
Comedian David Boyle shares a candid snapshot of sober life in Ireland, juggling kids’ horse riding lessons, Irish family gatherings and health worries. He reflects on exhaustion, a deep fondness for Ireland and his mixed feelings about returning to Boston, all while staying committed to daily sobriety.
6:22•17 Aug 2026
Horse Riding, Irish Hospitality and Sober Exhaustion at 7 Years Dry
Episode Overview
- Sobriety doesn’t remove exhaustion; parenting, travel and daily life can still feel intense, but they’re faced without alcohol.
- Social situations can be draining, so taking breaks and stepping away is a valid way to cope without numbing out.
- Supportive friends and a comfortable environment can make challenging periods in recovery feel more manageable.
- Feeling at home in different places (Ireland, Boston) shows how identity and roots can shift during long-term sobriety.
- Health issues, such as lung concerns, highlight the need to pay attention to the body and accept limits, even when travel plans are affected.
“"I tell you what, the Irish are the easiest people to fucking talk to in the world."”
How do people find strength in their journey to sobriety? This short, punchy episode of "I'm Quitting Alcohol" drops in on comedian David Boyle at day 7 years and 94 days, catching him in the middle of family chaos, health worries and a surprising love affair with Ireland. Boyle is wiped out from late nights and early mornings, hauling his kids to horse riding lessons at a local equestrian centre.
He jokes that the trainer is "fucking great" and the kids "absolutely loved it", giving a glimpse into how parenting, even without booze, can still feel relentless. The tone is raw, funny and unfiltered, with plenty of swearing and zero polish, which will suit anyone who prefers honest recovery chat over polished self-help. Social exhaustion is a big thread here.
Surrounded by a huge Irish family for a two-year-old’s birthday, Boyle explains how he has to duck in and out of the action, sneaking off for breaks when talking and listening gets too much. Yet he also admits, "the Irish are the easiest people to fucking talk to in the world", and you hear genuine warmth as he talks about their stories and banter. There’s a strong sense of place and identity too.
Staying in a beautiful house in Kinsale, right on the river, Boyle feels an unexpected pull to Ireland while still looking forward to heading back to Boston. He even plans a trip to Tipperary to see where "the Boils" come from, all while worrying about a lung issue and an air pocket that might keep him from flying.
If you like your sobriety content fast, honest and a bit chaotic, this slice of Boyle’s daily life might be exactly what you need today. How do you handle exhaustion and social overload without reaching for a drink?
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