David Graham: Music, Sobriety & Inspiration
Episode Overview
David shares his musical journey with Showaddywaddy. Exploring the impact of upbringing on identity. Insights into changing habits and achieving sobriety. The importance of personal stories in inspiring change. How redefining oneself can lead to personal growth.
It's not using the previous versions of yourself to define who you are or who you can be.
In this captivating episode of 'One For The Road', host Sober Dave welcomes David Graham, a professional musician and touring saxophonist with the renowned 1970s band Showaddywaddy. David's journey spans over 30 years, from being classically trained at the Royal Northern College of Music and the University of Manchester to performing across the UK and Europe.
His story is not only about his musical accomplishments but also about his personal journey towards sobriety and the insights he has gained along the way. David begins by sharing his upbringing in Leicestershire and Rutland, reflecting on the idyllic village life he experienced as a child. He describes the influence of his Scottish family and the cultural shift he felt when moving at a young age. These formative years laid the groundwork for his artistic pursuits and identity exploration.
As he transitioned into adulthood, David pursued music avidly, joining bands and ultimately becoming a part of Showaddywaddy. In addition to his musical achievements, David delves into his personal journey of sobriety. He discusses the challenges he faced, including the emotional toll of separating from his wife in 2016. David candidly talks about his relationship with alcohol, the societal norms surrounding drinking, and the pivotal moments that led him to reconsider his habits.
He highlights the importance of using tools like the Drinkless app to track alcohol consumption and the significance of initiatives like 'Dry January'. Throughout the episode, David emphasizes the power of personal stories in inspiring change. He shares how redefining one's identity by adopting new habits can lead to substantial growth. He encourages listeners to view their journeys as experiments, taking note of triggers and emotional responses along the way.
David concludes with a motivating message about transforming one's self-perception and embracing new opportunities for personal development. David's story is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative power of personal narratives. His insights provide valuable lessons for anyone seeking inspiration and guidance in their quest for change, be it in their relationship with alcohol or other aspects of life.