In this episode, I talk with <a href='https://www.dustin-dunbar.com'>Dustin Dunbar</a>, author of <a href='https://www.dustin-dunbar.com/book'>You&apos;re Doing Great! (And Other Lies Alcohol Told Me)</a> and founder of <a href='https://www.thealcoholfreerevolution.org/'>Alcohol-Free Revolution</a>.We discuss the illusion that alcohol benefits us, how calling it what it is—ethanol—can shift everything, and why quitting doesn’t have to be a lifelong struggle. Dustin shares the dream that changed his life, how trauma is often at the root of drinking, and what happens when you stop numbing and start feeling.We also get into:<ul><li>Differences between the AA model and joyful alcohol-free living</li><li>Alcohol as a blocker of consciousness and connection</li><li>Why quitting can lead to more energy, libido, clarity, and weight loss</li><li>How to socialize without alcohol and what to say when people ask why</li><li>The link between drinking and childhood trauma</li><li>Tools like meditation, nature, infrared therapy, and travel</li><li>An alcohol-free bar experiment where people had even more fun </li><li>Family and industry culture around drinking</li><li>Sober vs. alcohol-free: a shift in mindset</li></ul>Dustin’s story is a powerful example of what’s possible on the other side of alcohol. Connect and Learn More📘Book: <a href='https://www.dustin-dunbar.com/book'>You&apos;re Doing Great! (And Other Lies Alcohol Told Me)</a>📸Instagram: <a href='https://www.instagram.com/dustindunbarusa'>@DustinDunbarUSA</a>📺YouTube: <a href='https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCocTycUtBLkULxVjnwlZX5g'>@DustinDunbarUSA</a>🌐Website: <a href='https://www.dustin-dunbar.com'>dustin-dunbar.com</a>🤝Non-profit: <a href='https://www.thealcoholfreerevolution.org'>Alcohol-Free Revolution (AFR)</a> RESOURCES📚Books<ul><li><a href='https://www.amazon.com/This-Naked-Mind-Discover-Happiness/dp/0525537236'>This Naked Mind</a> by Annie Grace</li><li><a href='https://www.amazon.com/Unexpected-Joy-Being-Sober-alcohol-free/dp/1912023385'>The Unexpected Joy of Being Sober</a> by Catherine Gray</li></ul>  🐸 Characters<ul><li><a href='https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Budweiser_Frogs'>Budweiser Frogs</a></li><li><a href='https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spuds_MacKenzie'>Spuds MacKenzie</a></li><li><a href='https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Superman'>Superman</a></li><li><a href='https://www.guinness-storehouse.com/en/whats-hoppening/history-of-guinness-toucan'>The Guinness Toucan</a></li></ul>  👤 People<ul><li><a href='https://thisnakedmind.com'>Annie Grace</a></li><li><a href='https://www.instagram.com/unexpectedjoyof'>Catherine Gray</a></li><li><a href='https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Klimaszewski_Twins'>Coors Light Twins (Diane and Elaine Klimaszewski)</a></li><li><a href='https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Swanwick'>James Swanick</a></li><li><a href='https://www.tribesober.com/our-team'>Janet Gourand</a></li><li><a href='https://www.tonyrobbins.com/'>Tony Robbins</a></li></ul> 🎙️ Podcasts<ul><li><a href='https://alcoholfreelifestyle.com/podcast'>Alcohol-Free Lifestyle</a></li><li><a href='https://thisnakedmind.com/podcasts'>This Naked Mind Podcast</a></li><li><a href='https://open.spotify.com/show/5cI3Rh5ILBFt1ZDt7bDIRt'>Tribe Sober</a></li></ul> 👥Programs<ul><li><a href='https://alcoholfreelifestyle.com'>Alcohol-Free Lifestyle</a></li><li><a href='https://www.thealcoholfreerevolution.org/'>Alcohol-Free Revolution (AFR)</a></li><li><a href='https://www.aa.org'>Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)</a></li><li><a href='https://www.tribesober.com'>Tribe Sober</a></li></ul>

Dustin Dunbar: Breaking Free from the Alcohol Matrix and Finding Real Joy | Episode 131

Alcohol

Diet and Nutrition

Drugs

Healthy Living

Mental Health

Mindful Drinking

Parenting

Physical Health

Self-Care

Health & Wellness

Alcohol, Addiction & Recovery

Creativity & Innovation

Sexual Health & Wellbeing

Substance Abuse & Drug Recovery

Financial Empowerment

Family & Relationships

Brain Shaman is a philosophical and scientific journey towards better brain health. Michael Waite discusses how you can change your brain state via nutrition, nature, technology, and action. Mental illness, addiction, trauma, and low brain function are destroying so many people and societies. By becoming increasingly disconnected from the natural world and plugged into the artificial one, we are getting sicker, weaker, and less free. We must become more conscious of how the information that we consume (in the form of food, drugs, sensory input, media, etc.) affects our brain. This podcast teaches you how to reconnect with nature, reprogram your brain, regain your freedom, and redirect your life.

Brain Shaman

Phillip Wilson: The Adventures of Thinker and Feeler — Saunas, Freedom, and Life | Episode 130

Michael Waite

Michael Waite

Dustin Dunbar: Breaking Free from the Alcohol Matrix and Finding Real Joy | Episode 131

Dustin Dunbar: Breaking Free from the Alcohol Matrix and Finding Real Joy | Episode 131

Dustin Dunbar: Breaking Free from the Alcohol Matrix and Finding Real Joy | Episode 131

Wednesday 30th July 2025

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Brain Shaman